Questions About Tax Election

To the Editor:

RE: June 13 Farmington Tax Election

After reading the article about the upcoming Farmington tax election, I find myself sitting here thinking hmmmmmmm.

You see, the article seems a little long on fluff and somewhat short on facts.

If the public is to make an educated decision at the polls, they need access to all of the facts.

For instance, if, as stated, the city is close to paying off the sewer bond, what is the unpaid balance and rate of interest we are paying on the bonds? I understand the city has a reserve fund in excess of 2.5 million. What is the amount of interest the city earns on this?

Also, where is this 2.5 mil and is it all FDIC insured?

If there is not enough in the reserve fund to pay off the balance, why not have another One-year temporary tax and then let it drop off instead of making it permanent? Taking on another 20-year bond is a very depressing thought. What rate of interest would we have to pay?

Next, they go on to the streets and parks. I refer you back to the reserve fund. Also, has the city met its commitments regarding the property it annexed in 2008? If the city has not done this, I think their commitment to these property owners should come first. I have two properties in this category.

I know everyone wants a nice city. However, we have citizens on fixed incomes living on $1,000 or less per month. We also have families living paycheck to paycheck, barely making ends meet. These people need every break they can get.

Farmington has one of the highest tax rates in the state. That is not good for citizens or businesses. Rome wasn’t built in a day and Farmington doesn’t have to be either. Why can’t we set priorities and pace ourselves from the top down on that list as the funding is available. The interest saved on these various bonds would go a long way toward getting things done.

Instant gratification is always nice. But, if it is not affordable, it is just not affordable.

Vicki Norvell

Farmington