Letter to the editor: Vote ‘no’ to more taxes

Talk about it

Just a reminder to Lake County residents to vote on the mail-in school tax levy ballot that you should have received by now. It’s a tax increase the school board wishes to see passed. I urge a “no” in every category proposed. We are being taxed beyond reasonable limits as it is. Remember folks, this tax increase will be based on the “market value” of your property.

This past year, when I called to complain about my “market value” going up 107 percent in two years, while the economy and home buying was at its lowest in memory, the assessor’s answer to me was “because we can.” That is a direct quote. My county commissioner’s answer was not any better. “We need the money.” I know it’s hard for our government officials and school board members to understand but we the people need some of that money ourselves. We have to balance our budgets too, you know.

I feel I fork out enough in taxes already. If the school they built in Two Harbors (which not one of the students in Fall Lake Township will ever attend) can not operate with the cash it already takes in, it is because of poor management from the ground up.

Now you don’t suppose that is the real reason market values are going up so fast do you? My guess is they knew they would be coming at us for more school funding right after that monster was built in Two Harbors.

Again, I urge a “no” vote to any tax increase. Remember, this increase will be on our backs for 10 years. If you think it will ever go away, I suggest you wake up and smell the coffee. Just watch as your “market value” goes up as those years go by. Will you be able to afford it by then?

Most people I know in Fall Lake Township are on a fixed income, be it retired, on Social Security, pension, or working a regular job at the marginal wages paid in this area. They are barely holding on to their property as it is. Some I know are close to losing it every year. Again, vote “no” to a tax increase.

From Barry Tungseth, Fall Lake Township

Tags: two harbors, opinion, letters to the editor, levy