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Michael D. Pitman reports about Butler County, Ohio, politics, county government, countywide issues and Butler County people just like you for Cox Ohio Publishing (including the Hamilton JournalNews, Middletown Journal and several weekly papers in Butler County). He wants your suggestions and questions for more news stories. Leave a comment for him here or e-mail Michael at Home > Blogs > Butler County News and Issues > Archives > 2010 > December > 07 > Entry
Sales tax proposal responses
About 75 people e-mailed, wrote letters or phoned the Butler County Commission to express their opinions on the 0.25 percent sales tax increase. The majority, as the County Commission has stated, were against the sales tax.
The overwhelming majority of those against the sales tax are people stating just that, they are against the sales tax.
These vocal people were apparently a big part of the reason why the County Commission elected to not pursue the sales tax, which apparently reinforced the Republican mantra of lower taxes.
Now there may be more people Commissioner’s spoke with, but it’s unknown who and how many. So to play devil’s advocate, should 75 people be the spokespeople for the 360,000-plus residents in Butler County?
To give some perspective, here’s some of the people against the tax hike:
“No sales tax increase. Please.”
“No to any more taxes - cut spending.”
“Please do not vote for any sales tax increase. Vote only to cut spending. We are watching for fiscal responsibilities from our commissioners.”
“I’m asking you to say no to (a) sales tax increase and asking you to cut spending. The economy is in a slump and with continuing unemployment and our citizens can take no more.”
And for the other side, here are some of the people against the tax hike:
“… [M]ay I say your decision not to raise the county sales tax to deal with the budget deficit is gutless and misguided.” This e-mailer went on to say, “Laying off dozens or hundreds of employees is definitely not the answer.”
“… [D]on’t give into the tea party crazies. Raise the sales tax and save this county government!”
“The commissioners need to step up and do the right thing for this county…raise the sales tax!”
“I understand you have difficult decisions to make as the county faces the $7 million shortfall. I would favor and support your reconsideration of an increase of 0.25 percent on sales taxes. We must increase revenue to continue to provide quality programs and services in Butler County.”
Permalink | Comments (11) | Post your comment | Categories: Butler County, County Commission, County budget
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Comments
By Rod
December 7, 2010 4:35 PM | Link to this
Seems those for the tax were a bit hostile and insulting to the commissioners.
By Just Say NO
December 7, 2010 4:38 PM | Link to this
What I see is the taxpayers were saying NO Tax increase. The sheriff, his staff and supporters were demanding a tax increase. The commissioners listened to the right group.
By Ken
December 7, 2010 6:48 PM | Link to this
Should 75 people speak for the whole county or 1 man Rick “It’s all about me” Jones?
By Amy
December 7, 2010 8:25 PM | Link to this
I think that it is crazy to contemplate layoffs with such a simple solution at our fingertips. A .25% sales tax increase wouldn’t even be noticeable to most people. An 8% cut in the budget would be. If you buy things in Warren County or Hamilton County you are already paying higher taxes. If the commissioners can’t see how simple this is, then maybe they have served the people of Butler County and need to move on.
By Amy
December 7, 2010 8:25 PM | Link to this
I think that it is crazy to contemplate layoffs with such a simple solution at our fingertips. A .25% sales tax increase wouldn’t even be noticeable to most people. An 8% cut in the budget would be. If you buy things in Warren County or Hamilton County you are already paying higher taxes. If the commissioners can’t see how simple this is, then maybe they have served the people of Butler County and need to move on.
By Novel Idea
December 7, 2010 10:29 PM | Link to this
I have a novel idea - Why not put the sales tax issue on the ballot and let everyone vote on it - dah! I for one am sick of hearing “Commissioners said, she said he said, they said and the Sheriff said!!! LET THE PEOPLE VOTE ON IT!!
By yNot
December 8, 2010 6:32 AM | Link to this
I haven’t noticed the line of people coming to Butler County to shop so that they can save a few pennies? We don’t tax food or medicine. Other than politics, what possible real reason do the commissioners have for not raising the sales tax?
By Taxed Out
December 8, 2010 8:25 AM | Link to this
We don’t have a revenue problem in Butler County, what we have is a spending problem. What ever our elected officials want they just spend out money to get. The sheriff has his toys, the judges there fancy court rooms and staffs, EMA and BOE a new building building. Just stop the spending.
By cent21
December 8, 2010 6:29 PM | Link to this
Everyone seems so afraid of the word TAX. Raising the sales tax this proposed miniscule amount would benefit our county and everyone would pay it.
By Kenny
December 9, 2010 8:25 AM | Link to this
Put an issue on and let the voters decide
By Oscar
December 16, 2010 9:45 AM | Link to this
It cracks me up that Sheriff Jones comes into a meeting asking for a tax increase and not one county commissioner has the backbone to just speak up and say NO. The wussies then issue a press release proclaiming their opposition to the tax increase. When the sheriff talks to them it reminds me of the idiots who faint when Obama speaks.