Florence sales tax proposal good idea
To the Editor:
The Florence city governing body is proposing a city sales tax for the second time in two years. Does the city need the increased income? We believe each individual has a right to vote how they think best for the city.
Since very few citizens attended the budget hearing in August 2004, the city sponsored a free hamburger feed in September for the purpose of answering questions regarding the proposed sales tax issue. Only 10 to 15 percent of the community attended the meeting.
The city council has an obligation to try to explain some of the financial concerns facing the city of Florence in the years to come.
The proposed sales tax will not help or make the current mayor or city council look like their side has won. This issue is about the future of Florence.
Consider this fact: when compared to similar size cities in Kansas, Florence is one of the lowest valued and one of the highest tax levied cities.
How many businesses will open and flourish in Florence? How and why will Florence attract people to live in the community in the future? Investments in our community will be limited and less attractive to business and potential new residents if the infrastructure in the city continues to deteriorate.
At the August 2004, budget hearing, the city council did not elect to approve a legally compliant 102 mill levy for the city of Florence. Instead the 2005 city budget was approved with a 84.23 mill levy. We felt the higher mill levy would not be good for the future of Florence.
To offset this loss of income to the city, the city council decided to propose a fairer tax.
For that reason the sales tax proposal is being presented again. People who pass through the city and those of us who don't pay property tax can participate with all property owners in making Florence a better place to live.
The following figures are remaining debt plus payable interest over the debt period:
— General Obligation Bonds (long-term debt; street repairs 2001), $200,000;
— Past capital expenses, $142,617;
— Revenue bonds (water system 1993), $179,000;
— KDHE water supply loan (new water system 2003), $213,000.
These are the facts that concern the city council and will impact the city of Florence:
1. Increased water rates will not cover debt service to revenue bonds along with anticipated higher cost of maintaining the new water system.
2. The city is using reserve funds to pay for debt service.
3. Yearly expenses to maintain the city are increasing due to increased cost of providing services.
4. Significant loss of income from state revenue sharing funds.
5. The state of Kansas will not have any sharing funds in the foreseeable future.
6. Valuation of the city of Florence will continue to decline.
7. The repairs to the infrastructure of the city of Florence need to be addressed. Additional income will be necessary before many of the needed repairs can be addressed.
8. If this proposal fails again, future city councils will be forced to increase personal property taxes significantly.
The city council appreciates the concerns of the citizens in regards to our handling or mishandling of past and present issues. We have tried to do the best for Florence with past issues and the issue we face now. We know there always is another side to any issue.
The council hopes you will be open-minded and vote yes for this proposal. By supporting this proposal, you will be promoting a better place to live in the future.
Contact a council member to find the truth in this controversy.
Florence City Council
