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Show The Payson Chronicle, April 17, Page 10 Paysons Joyce Bradley Letters To The Editor What is your opinion? This newspaper welcomes opinions from its leaden concerning any subject pertinent to the Payson area. We request that letten use good judgment and are concise. Anything of a libelous nature, or defamation of character, will not be considered for publication. Letters must be signed with the writers name, address, and telephone number. Disturbed By Tax Increase Dear Editor, I have just received notification from T.C.I. the franchise fee (tax) charged by Payson I am City on all utilities and cable services will increase from the current 3 rate to disturbed by this change as it will result in an increase on every utility bill that we pay. As a former city councilman, I would like to share a few thoughts about the franchise "tax" that is collected by the city. It is not uncommon for a city to collect an upcharge on utility companies. It almost invisible tax that results in a sizeable amount of collected revenue for the city. Because it is charged on your natural gas bill, phone bill, cable bill, and certain electrical utilities, the fee is not noticed by a large number of people paying for these services. When the franchise fee ordinance was adopted, it was realized 3 was one of the highest percentages charged by any surrounding city. We adopted this "tax" after a great deal of consideration and obligated 1 00 of its revenues to retire the debt obligation on the pressurized irrigation system. We met much opposition from utility companies, had a lawsuit filed against us, and were warned that this "hidden fee" was a very unfriendly tax that is recognized by prospective business and industry clients evaluating us for relocation. We studied the options and explored other possibilities. We then allowed you, the taxpayers of Payson City, to decide if you supported this as a way to finance the PJ. system. A vast majority of voters voted in favor of the financing plans and the fee was established The belief of those present on the council at that time was for this tax to be used, as directed, and then to reduce the fee to I must now ask what has happened? I have watched as the city has experienced unbelievable growth. This has resulted in many more taxpayers paying a monthly irrigation fee. This additional revenue, coupled with good snowpack, should have resulted in a sizeable excess balance in the P.I. fund. I have set back almost quiet for several years and I have an appreciation for those willing to serve. But I feel that some type of explanation is warranted as to the need for this increase. I encourage the council to obtain a copy of the ballot presented to the people and to look carefully at the original intention of this fee that was accepted by the citizens. I would also remind you of one of the earlier warnings that we received. Prospective new business will take a serious look at this tax and it will often result in disqualification. I would strongly encourage the council to look for ways to reduce the costs of our government opposed to simply increasing the burden of those living within the community. Revenues are at an all time high for our city. This will not last forever. Be careful of the spending practices that you adopt now. They will be hard to change when things get tougher. If I remember correctly, many of the citys bond obligations have been retired. Remember that every dollar you receive should be treated as sacred There is no magical money tree. Every dollar you receive is a gift from the people you are elected to represent. Please dont forget that. If you share these feelings, take a moment and contact all members of your city council. I will assure you, a responsible council will listen if enough people voice their con' ' cerns. Respectfully, Brent York , . " 5. is-a- n 0. Womens Health Seminar At Mountain View Hospital is a Womens Health Seminar on Mountain View Hospital sponsoring Thursday, May 9th, at 7:00 p.m. It will be held in the new classroom at Mountain View and is free to the to discuss and answer questions about: breast cancer, public. An expert will be and treatment; screening osteoporosis and pap smears. If you plan to bring a group of ten or more, please contact Connie Erdman at on-ha- 465-708- 0. Receives Realtor Of The Year Award Joyce Bradley was recently given the prestigious Realtor Of The Year award, making Joyce the premier agent in her agency, ReMax Central. Joyce has been working in real estate for the past six years. She has continued her education, earning her GRI, CRS, and her Brokers License. Joyce is a lifetime resident of Payson City. She loves to help people, and all of her past clients will attest to the fact that she not only serves your real estate needs but will also become a friend This is the best kind of business to be in if you like people, she is often fond of saying, and she truly does. Payson Progress by Paul Blanchard A BONDING" EXPERIENCE FOR OUR KIDS Woodrow Wilson once remarked that "the hottest comers of Hell will be reserved for those who maintained their neutrality in a moment of crisis." T raditionally there are enough new residents qualifying for comer lots in Hades through their apathy in each bond election. Voter turnout for these apparently mundane elections is usually extremely light in spite of the significance of the ballot measure. Take out some" spiritual fire insurance today - write down this date in your planner, on your calendar, the refrigerator, your forehead: MAY 7TH - TUESDAY - VOTE IN THE SCHOOL BOND ELECTION Nebo School District is proposing a much needed $30 Million bond that will barely help keep up with growth and other demands. It definitely does not get us ahead of demand, this is a conservative, basic necessities type bond. With the passage of this ballot measure,; we will still be at only 71 of our bond capacity - a testimonial to cautions financiall management of our local school board and their foresight in always keeping something ini reserve. What does this election mean to Payson? The biggest item will be a badly needed $4 . Million renovationaddition to Payson Junior High. Ask a junior high student or faculty member how badly this facility is crowded This election will also provide funds for an enlargement of the high school library to accommodate a computer center. Other projects are distributed equitably around the district cities based on, need rather than politics. Specific details of this election are laid out in a pamphlet which is available at city hall or and Ill mail you a copy. . leave your name on my phone mail The new mill levy wdl result in an annual property tax increase on a $100,000 home of $55. I, for one, would be happy to pay that much more per year to fund the badly needed facilities for our youth. I also realize that for some households, this increase can be un- -, comfortable - especially senior citizens on fixed incomes who .normally have paid off the . mortgage and pay property taxes out of pocket. Whatever our situation, we need to step up and do what is necessary for our schools. I believe I have been deeply involved enough in the preparations for this bond election to ask for yourtotal support for the measure. It is not a luxury proposal, it is not a convenience measure - it represents the most basic, urgent needs for a badly crowded school district. Tell your neighbors, friends, and to put it on their calendars too - lets get in- volved and really make a difference for years to come! ; J- (465-525- 2) Dont Miss Miss Santaquin Pageant! - The Miss Santaquin Pageant will be held April 27th in the Santaquin City Center ("old school") auditorium, 45 West 100 South. from a contestant, board memSeating is limited and tickets should be ber (Suzanne Carter, evenings; Helen Holt, evenings; Becky Berge, 2; Susan Farnsworth, evenings; Shelly Jepperson, Jacquee or at Main Street Market. Peterson, evenings; Kearsten VanAusdal, Cost is $2; tickets are expected to disappear fast, so be sure to purchase yours sooa 754-584- 8, 754-552- 754-515- 8, 754-571- 4, 754-583- 7, 754-580- 2; 754-508- When a man is all wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package. John Ruskin j j ; j |