Dear Editor,
In response to last week’s letter to the editor from Diane Scappaticci Rosenblum regarding the local option sales tax vote to rescind. First I’d like to start off by saying I have a lot of respect and regard for Mrs. Rosenblum, so Diane, please don’t take this as an attack. While reading your opinion, which I take with respect, I noticed you’re question is: “If the local option tax contributes approximately $400,000-$500,000 to the general fund, who do you think is going to make up the difference if it is rescinded?” You went on to state: “You and me and our property taxes.”
Diane, the fact and the truth is there’s a second part to this proposal of rescinding the one percent option sales tax. I’m not sure if our board or town has clearly explained this other part, which is simple: The town no longer would fund the marketing and events and employees for this department that was created with the option tax funding. So with $400,000-$500,000 less in revenue one must realize in order for this to work there would be $400,000-$500,000 less in expenses.
So, Diane, there may be a difference to make up by taxpayers, but no where near $400,000 to $500,000. The truth may be under $100,000, as I see it. But let’s remember, we’re not allocating money as expenses for our town manager and other departments spending time with special events, marketing and other items hidden in the budget away from EDT. Sorry, I had to do this in a letter to the editor, but your letter went out first without the understanding of the expense and revenue side. Once again, just making sure that we are looking at all sides of the equation.
Thanks,
Jim Haff, Killington
