Well, there’s no real evidence to think so. However, Wicomico Public Information Officer Jim Fineran wants us to believe that.
Last week Fineran penned a letter to the Daily Times where he argued that those attending the Wicomico Council’s budget hearing spoke up in favor of County Executive Rick Pollitt’s 5 cent tax rate increase by a margin of more than two to one. We are somehow supposed to draw the inference that taxpayers are in support of the rate hike.
While attendance at Tuesday's hearing was miniscule in comparison to the overall population of Wicomico County, its content offers the only barometer of public opinion on the proposed nickel tax increase. From this, a conclusion could be drawn that the participating public understands a small increase in the real property tax rate is needed to maintain the current level of county services.
It is possible that Wicomico voters want to pay more in taxes than they otherwise would have to. Lacking any objective polling data, I can’t say with any confidence. However, before Mr. Fineran (or his boss) attempt to claim that a majority of citizens don’t mind paying a higher rate they should consider a few other things:
- Wicomico County voters instituted the revenue cap by an overwhelming majority.
- We are still in the midst of a recession. I haven’t come across too many folks (other than government employees and their spouses) who think that paying higher taxes right now is a good thing.
IF Fineran wants to use a handful of people at a budget hearing as a barometer for public opinion, perhaps he should consider a larger sample. SbyNEWS hosted a live blog of that hearing. Over 450 people participated. I honestly don’t recall anyone commenting that they wanted to pay a higher rate. A very small number of readers did vote for a rate hike in an interactive poll we ran within the event.
Are SbyNEWS readers more representative of Wicomico’s voters as a whole? They are definitely more representative than the sample Fineran points to. Almost all of those who spoke in favor of the tax rate increase fall into one (or more) of three categories:
- Government employees
- Spouses (or other family) of government employees V
- Members of various boards who have a personal interest in seeing that their favorite part of the county government isn’t cut any more.
C’mon Jim! If you are trying to show the county council that you earn your paycheck don’t look foolish while you’re trying.
More than 50% are on welfare in Wicomico County so how else could you not afford w/o raising taxes?
ReplyDeleteCONTACT THE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND TELL THEM HOW YOU STAND ON THIS.
ReplyDeleteNot only did the county voters institute a revenue cap they also elected six council members this term who claimed to be conservatives. Now we will see who can stand by what they ran on or which one's will bow to King Richard.
ReplyDeleteEveryone that spoke for the increase were directly related to those monies. They worked with the BOE or wor-wic or they received free classes ect., and of course gillis whose family thrives on local gov contracts. Only about 4 avg citizens spoke against the increase....I think council is smart enough to realize Pollitt has made no attempt to cut back or conserve, therefore should not receive additional funds.
ReplyDeleteI thought that with the revenue cap in place, they would be tinkering with the rates every year. In years when the assessments went up, the rates would have to automatically go down.
ReplyDeleteIn lean years, I figured they would raise the rates, to offset the lower available assessments. This year would be an example. Not that I am in favor of any tax rate increase here, I merely expected them to attempt this.
Thank goodness for the revenue cap, to keep them from jacking the rates way up! Such was the case that brought about the revenue cap referendum in the first place.
If the council from prior years had shown some fiscal restraint, the cap would never had been implemented, and todays discussion would be quite different.
To be fair, how about posting the rates and revenues from the past 20 years so valid comparisons can be made?
Its amazing that you people would rather see others lose their jobs then to pay the increase. You know it is a double edge sword around here. You want more work for less pay then when things don't get done in a timely manner or done at all you moan and complain to the county leaders for a change. What do you think will happen if there is no increase...well I'll tell you they will layoff more employees, and then they will get unemployment and government assistance. Pay now or pay later, but don't expect everything on a golden platter when you aren't willing to come off of the cash. There will be a day when you are faced with a lay off....etc...we'll see how you view things then.
ReplyDeleteInstead of a layoff how about getting rid of Ted Shea and Matt Cramer. I thought they were only going to stay and show Rick Pollitt the ropes. Well he's in his second term and they are still there. There biggest decision they usually make is where they are going to eat lunch that day. What a waste of taxpayer money and they make alot more than the county executive does.
ReplyDeletereduce the size of government, which then leads to reducing tax income, and yes, some people may be out of a job; however, lower taxes = more PRIVATE SECTORS JOBS. private sector jobs create wealth. NOT gouberment jobs. When you liberals get that thru your pipsqueak heads, then you will see WICO County actually flourish. Im talking to you 7:55.
ReplyDeleteIf your argument is that Wicomico voters overwhelmingly supported the revenue cap, then it could logically follow that they would overwhelmingly support what it allows you to do, and that is raise the tax this year. You can't have it both ways no matter how hard you try.
ReplyDeleteCUT,CUT,CUT. NO TAX INCREASE !!!!!!
ReplyDelete8:30 am YOU are right on the money & where it's wasted! Creamer & Shea & other top pay officials who do the same----Nothing!
ReplyDeleteAnon 7:55, for me it is not about paying more. I would gladly pay more if I knew it was going to fund improvements and maintenace tasks that would benefit everyone who lives in this county. Instead, it goes to school lunch programs, and every other subsidized program that only benefits those who wish to remain on their couch while the majority of county residents get up and go to work. Most people I talk to have had enough of catering to the lazy. When is enough really enough.
ReplyDelete7:55 am, you sound like a county employee who is not needed, in fear of losing your job. What do you do?
ReplyDeleteI chuckle everytime I see where someone suggests getting rid of Matt Creamer. He works for the County Council--not the County Executive. And he does great work for the council, too. I believe those who say get rid of him may think he knows more about the county than they do and feels a little threatened by him.
ReplyDeleteyou're kidding. right?
ReplyDelete