Dear Editor,

I’m writing to commend Judge Logsdon and the Fiscal Court for their efforts to control the tax burden faced by county residents.

I was also pleased to see that the Hospital Board was able to enact a similar rate cut.

This is a welcome contrast to the rate hikes by other entities that could not resist the revenue produced by a “permitted” rate hike.

Unfortunately, such increases are an annual habit for many of the taxing districts, probably because there is no easy way for voters to have a say on increases of 4% or less.

Unfortunately, the rate cuts by Fiscal Court and the Hospital Board were completely obliterated by our School Board.

The “School Tax” is responsible for the largest share of your tab, and that the rate has again been increased substantially this year.

Think about this on Election Day, take a look at your tax bill before going to the polls, and hope for more than one School Board candidate on the ballot.  

The state of our national and local economy now more than ever dictates conservative and responsible spending.

Our Fiscal Court and Hospital Board have set an example, realizing that county residents do not have bottomless pockets.

I challenge the Library, School District and others who have increased tax rates this year to draft (and stay within) a budget that will eliminate future tax increases.

To do otherwise is a slap in the face to our community in these difficult times.

 Anthony Whobrey