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Monday, January 21, 2008 10:22 PM CST
LETTER: Referendum won't hike your real estate taxes
By CHUCK KNOX, Douglas County, Villa Grove
I am writing in reference to the referendum for a public safety sales tax. I am writing as a private citizen and not as the Douglas County Board chairman.
We are a small county of small towns in a large state, in a larger country on a very large planet. It is obvious that we must look after each other because of our size. The passing of the public safety half penny sales tax referendum will go a way in helping us do that and not rely on undependable out of county sources that are subject to whimsical vetoes at the capitol.
The funds from this sales tax will be apportioned by the Douglas County Board to meet the needs of county public safety, city or district-sponsored ambulance services, emergency services and fire departments. Funds for non-county services will be apportioned in periodic grants to individual fire departments, ambulance services, police departments etc. These funds are not meant to be revenue streams, but to help out when these agencies are short of funds to purchase needed equipment. Not every agency will receive funds each year. Those with the greatest need will have a priority in assistance.
This half penny may mean that when you need emergency services they will be there for you. This half penny will help these selfless volunteers and professionals continue to do the outstanding job that they do and guarantee they will be there for you.
The public safety sales tax will not apply to groceries, vehicles, prescription and non-prescription drugs and medical supplies, farm machinery, seed and fertilizers, and any items currently exempt from sales tax.
If your spouse or a family member is a first responder for emergencies, fire fighter, emergency management or law enforcement officer, the funds raised by the half penny may go a long way in making them a little safer.
The passage of the referendum will not increase your real estate taxes. Real estate taxes are based on the value your township assessor places on your property. The county merely places the township assessment numbers into the tax computer program.
The financial impact of a half penny sales tax is so small but the good it can do for so many is so large. On Feb. 5th, the decision for increased safety to all our citizens is in your hands.
CHUCK KNOX
Douglas County
Villa Grove
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