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Show PAGE THE ZEPHYRJULY 1991 The tourist and popularity boom in Moab has meant huge profits for, especially, the larger businesses catering to the visitors. Commercial land virtually anywhere in town is being snapped up by investors. The motels are filled to the rafters nine months out of the year. These are the people who benefit most from the same phenomenon that causes the greatest pressure on city services. And these are the people, with the new tax shift, will pay less than ever before. On the other hand, the people who WORK in the tourist businesses, generally at low wages, will find at the end of the year that the city has more of their money, in essence, working people in town will end up helping to subsidize the owners of motels, shopping centers, and stores. And at a time.of growing fear that average residents will be forced out out town by the growing, big, tourist businesses, that average residents will not be able to afford to continue living here, an extra burden on them Is not acceptable. A creative and positive plan by the city council ends up hurting most people In Moab, and helping only the wealthiest few. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are ways to cut down on the taxes of locals and Increase them for visitors. It Just takes adjusting the council plan. One Idea Is to not abolish the property tax completely, but to charge the tax only on property above a certain value. The council can exempt all property owners from paying tax on land or buildings values at less than, say $100,000, even $150,000. The overwhelming majority of homeowners would end up paying nothing, but the biggest businesses would still fork over some cash. And even with that, they can hardly complain, since they too would be saving a couple of hundred dollars each year. And that extra money could be used to finance a program that would actually help everyone who Uvea In town, on an equal basis. If that money was taken and applied to residential water and sewer bills, then ALL residents would have some of their Increased sales tax offset by lower utility bills. Or another plan is to provide a yearly rebate to city residents, of say $50 per That can get complicated, determining who is or who is not a true resident, but it person. has worked In a number of other tourist towns through the West meek FREDERICO BOOMERINI Lingerie designer of Fredericks of Moab sfi 7 Vrfj 5fCfth a Whatever alternative they choose, the council would then be fulfilling their goal of a boom helping those most affected by the boom of bikers and hikers and that provides megaprofits for Investors and consortiums and low paying jobs to people who live here: But if they do nothing, If they fail to round out their tax package with ways of returning something to the average citizen, they will have failed the majority of people In Moab. Ifs an opportunity they should not let pass. four-wheele- rs, fit hc "REAL "Kojin 6toil1 CASTLE CANYON NURSERY FRIENDLY BUSHES HAPPY TREES KEN and ALICE DROGIN A Box 2106, CVSR, Moab, Utah 84532 Creators of Fine Landscapes n 2598274 ANYTIME Licensed Landscape Contractor IRRIGATION SYSTEMS PLANTING DRIP IRRIGATION H.Q. 94 W. 1st No. 259-533- 3 NEEDLES OUTPOST 259-203- 2 Canyonlands National Park Needles District Located 34 miles west on Hwy 211 259-854- 5 ONiy THE BEST BURGERS -- 75 WITHIN MILES . Gas - propane Camping partial hookups 4x4 rentals Scenic flights Maps - books - information yK abe- .. 1 1 - General store - snack bar Ice - cold beer - pop Showers firewood Jeep tours by reservation r? a |
