THE SPECTATOR: NO TAX INCREASES

  

2020 has been a rough year for most businesses and for most people I know.  Yes, there are a few that are doing well…but the majority of people and businesses are suffering.  Income has been greatly reduced, but most expenses still have to be paid.  People and businesses have had to reduce their spending wherever possible because the money’s just not there.  Yes, things are better than they were in April…but we’ve got a long way to go to get back to financial health.

As cities, counties and school districts prepare their budgets for next year, I believe they should do the same thing.  All need to reduce their budgets to match the reduced income.  Most property owners are already facing higher taxes due to increased property valuations.  The last thing they need is the City, County or School District raising those taxes even higher.  The State Legislature has capped tax increases to 3 ½ percent.  However, due to the State declaring a disaster from the pandemic, taxing entities can ask for an exemption to increase taxes by 8 percent.  Austin’s City Council actually applauded themselves for proposing only a 3 ½ percent increase.

People and businesses are hurting.  Hopefully the City, County and School Districts will recognize that and not add to their pain.  Let’s hold the line on tax increases and give everyone a chance to heal.

And that’s the way it looks to this Spectator.