Not that simple
Eldon V. Parkman
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
FIRST, let me say that I accept as being true Mr. Sauder’s figures, backed up by Ms. McKenna also stating they are correct. Therefore, Mr. Van Gundy’s figures are accepted as correct.
Let’s look at them in a different way. Quoted from Mr. Sauder’s figures, Lyon County mill levy is 51.046, 14 mills over second place Ford County. Emporia’s mill levy is 41.258, average for 10 cities is 44.79, by which Emporia is lower.
Let’s now take Ford County’s $1.3 million in non-property-tax income and convert it into a mill levy figure. That being done almost erases the 14 mill difference that was stated in the Oct. 24 Gazette.
Let’s now take Emporia’s approximately $4 million in sales tax income for 2007 and convert it into a mill levy, instead of just putting it as sales tax income; a tax is a tax regardless of how it is collected.
That puts Emporia way above the 10-city average.
Also, their now-raised mill levy is trying to elbow Lyon County out of the way so that they are No. 1!
Taxes are high for everyone, but they are a bargain for the services that we receive in return for our tax dollars.
As a rural taxpayer, I feel I receive a bargain in the excellent law enforcement that we receive from the sheriff’s department for our dollars.
The great roads I travel are well-smaintained and cared for with the tax dollars available. I am just thankful for being an American and able to pay my taxes.
I have already voted, so please join me and vote no to a five-member commission and an administration type of government!
Please get out and vote!
Eldon V. Parkman
Emporia