County sales tax

To the Editor:

Is it me … or does it seem the original plan to withhold word of a county sales tax until after County Board elections – so “it would not become an election issue” (which it should be) – stinks.

Is it me … or does it seem that people in favor of this tax, who just might benefit from the “economic development” monies raised, pose a conflict of interest?

Is it me … or does it seem self-serving for county employees to make a statement in favor of the .05 percent sales tax increase or without it we face an apocalypse in services?

It has been said that we need this tax. We’re told – “it goes without saying we need cuts but right now let’s just get this tax increase through and we’ll worry about the cuts later.” Cut first – tax as a last resort!

In Washington, Madison or Sheboygan County, the cuts are always promised later – yet never materialize. Salary and benefits, which include generous pensions and early retirement greatly exceed what’s customary in the private sector. “Mandated” programs and services are provided at levels that are not necessarily required. We are told we are facing a future of economic crisis but from a list of hundreds of thousands of dollars of potential cuts – not one item has been suggested.

“No business has ever cut its way to prosperity,” Sheboygan County’s “Vision 20/20” report states. Let me remind the board, no business – no individual – has ever been taxed into prosperity either; history proves just the opposite.

According to the “logic” behind this tax, I should feel great - because it’s not on my property taxes. The sales tax will only be on average $62/year for each resident. If a family of four cannot afford $248 in increased property taxes per year, they can’t afford an increase in 12 “convenient” monthly installments. It’s all the same – a tax.

If we “need” the tax, be honest – raise property taxes so we have one beast to fight – so citizens get to see the fruits of their labor paid out every time they pay their property taxes.

Maybe then we’ll no longer hear “Look at the great job we’re doing – we’re keeping property taxes low” while hiding tax increases in every new fee and at the bottom of hundreds of receipts in fine print where no one will notice. That’s just plain dishonest!

If we “need” the tax, be honest – raise property taxes – so citizens get to see the fruits of their labor paid out every December. Maybe then we won’t hear “Look at us – we’re keeping property taxes low” while hiding tax increases in every new fee and at the bottom of receipts in fine print where no one will notice. That’s just plain dishonest!
Kip Ertel,
Sheboygan