Common sense solution to UEP
To the editor:
Many people, probably way too many have spoken out on the issue of the Utility Expansion Project both pro and con. If we are to believe the city officials cries that expanded services are absolutely critical to the city’s future and as imperative as more oxygen for your next breath, then we must fund the project some way. I am certainly not in favor of any new taxes, usually at anytime because I do not trust most officials to properly spend the money, especially in this economic climate.
Are the funds that are being raised by the increases on existing ratepayers actually for future expanded services as many believe? Or are they for the purpose of paying for the NW RO water treatment facility that was shoved down the throats of city residents as well as other stealth projects built without citizens or consensus approval.
The outspoken have clearly, in most cases, identified the problem but very few have proposed solutions. I would like to do that here just as I did at 12:15 a.m. during citizens input time at the council meeting for NW 1-8 and Sw 6-7.
My idea which was given comments by council persons such as, “very intriguing”, “great idea” and “man I wish we had the time to look into it” is quite simply this. Allow the voters to approve or disapprove, on this November ballot, a 1 percent special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) for the sole purpose of utility services expansion.
Common sense because:
1) It is a voluntary tax. You choose where and on what you spend your money.
2) Every person, visitor, tourist, snowbird and fulltime residents all contribute.
3)It is for a specific purpose, for a specific time and for a specific amount f money.
The sunset clause is very important part of it because politicians, once finding a source for revenue, never quit spending it or “sunset” it.
The tax does not split the city into factions like the current ideas do and I would be very appealing to those who believe we must find the project. The city attorney told me that she knew of nothing that would or would not prohibit such a measure. Councilman Brandt found the idea very intriguing. Councilman Grille thought it could not be done by November, etc…
This method of funding special projects has been utilized very successfully by countless municipalities so it is legal, viable and possible.
At the very least, look into it and finally Let the people decide.
John Pedicino
Cape Cora