Letter: Commissioners sunset Courthouse Sales Tax

Editor:

Citizens, take notice that history is being made by our county commissioners. The 1997 Courthouse Sales Tax will be terminated, yes a tax terminated, beginning July 1, 2012. No one can say that sales taxes are never removed, because our County Commissioners are doing it.

The tax termination is also six months earlier than planned through effective management and refinancing of the bond debt. The termination was requested when citizens refused to extend the tax. Our county commissioners didn’t do what so many other government entities do; they didn’t bellyache, whine, or pass something on their own. They went through a very responsible process of setting service priorities, and have proposed cuts to the lowest priorities. They have developed a stellar budget process, which should be used as a template for other government entities.

On July 1, our county sales taxes were reduced from 0.8 percent to 0.6 percent, and every little bit adds up, especially for those who have the lowest incomes and have to bear the greatest burden of a fixed percentage sales tax. The Commissioners know the importance of leaving more dollars in each citizen’s pocket to spend as they choose, and the resulting economic benefit to our community.

Everyone should recognize our excellent County Commissioner team of Tom Donnelly, Steve Johnson and Lew Gaiter. Give them a call, or write an email or letter, and let them know you appreciate the great job they’re doing.

And, remember who lowered your taxes when it comes time to vote in November. Tom Donnelly and Steve Johnson will be on the ballot and they certainly deserve all of our votes. They have terminated a tax upon Larimer County citizens.

Thank You, county commissioners!

Evelyn King
Loveland