| *** Santa Fe County Voters **** VOTE NO ON NOVEMBER 17TH! (only voters in un-incorporated areas of Santa Fe County are eligible to vote in this election.) |
The Santa Fe County Commission has called for a special election on November 17th to vote on another tax
increase to county residents - a 1/4% "Fire Excise Tax" that will increase taxes by $2.2 Million a year. Excellent
fire protection is a must, but the county must prioritize their budgets just as we do at home. We oppose this tax
for these reasons:
* The County budget has grown from $85,000,000 in 2004 to $215,000,000 in 2009 - an increase of over
153% IN ONLY 5 YEARS!!!! At the same time, our population has grown less than 10%.
* We are in the midst of the worst recession since WWII, and the State Legislature is looking for ways to cut the
NM budget by $650 Million: this is no time for a tax increase.
* Previous Fire Taxes like this have always had a 'sunset clause' of 5 to 7 years; this tax has no such
provision and will last forever.
* With County expenditures up over 153% in the last 5 years, we see no reason why the County can't "live
within their means" and find the needed funds in their current budget. Most of us have seen our incomes
and investments drop in the last year and had to "just make do;" we think the County should do the same.
* Fire protection is an essential service. There's no reason that other non-essential services can't be
trimmed slightly to provide these funds.
* This special election will cost taxpayers about $60,000.
THE QUESTION WE HAVE FOR THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IS THIS WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THE LAST $100 MILLION WE SENT YOU???? |
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Election News & Updates
