THE EMPORIA city manager and city commissioners are working on the 2008 budget and, this year, they are having public comment sessions on how the city money should be divided.
The first meeting was May 30 and attendance was slim. But of those who attended, most wanted to discuss improving city services. There were comments on improving the dog park, improving the library as well as people who want the city to connect the recreation trails.
Whether improving current city services, adding new services or just trying to meet increasing costs of basic services, it is important that Emporians remember that their taxes pay for those services.
As the city leaders listen to the public’s requests, we need to be careful of what message they are hearing.
If all they hear is that citizens want more services, then they will need to increase taxes. If they hear that taxes are already too high the city commissioners might be inclined to hold the line on services.
In an emporiagazette.com poll last week, we asked readers what was important — improving public services or cutting taxes.
The results came back split right down the middle.
So what do you think is important — improve services or lower taxes?
If you want to be heard, there are two more public comment sessions: July 18 and Aug. 1.
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
I would like to know what time the meetings start? Also, I have yet to see any taxes lowered in the town of Emporia no matter what else was going on. So far, all I have seen is spend, spend, spend!!!!!!!!!
June 13, 2007 at 1:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )