I am shocked to find that property taxes are to be increased this year. My personal home tax has increased more than $100 on a single-family residence. Perhaps a quick read of the newspaper or view of TV news would illustrate that the economy is suffering, stock market is tanked and unemployment is up. Difficult times for all.
If the cost to provide city services has increased this dramatically, then as my elected or appointed officials, I would expect you to seek ways to trim the fat from the budget. As opposed to continuing the insanity of further increasing taxes without regard for those who are suffering, I would expect you to seek methods to reduce or stabilize the property tax.
This is not Oz. Soon the line "There is no place like home" will change to "There is no home." How about it? Wake up and fairly represent those who pay your salary. Perhaps just a small measure of empathy in hard times.
The proposed budget increases are unconscionable. I am a 12-year resident of Salt Lake City and have paid every tax known to mankind since I arrived. This is the place.
Michael Radford
Salt Lake City