A review of the Hendersonville Times-News today would lead one to believe taxes are amazingly wonderful.
The City of Brevard, for example, will raise the property tax rate. Combined with the recent revaluation, the average homeowner is expected to pay only $54 MORE a year. The tax is touted as necessary for preserving bureaucrat jobs. Unlike several other municipal budgets this year, Brevard’s did not cut training for personnel. More importantly,
A primary reason the city was unable to reach the revenue neutral tax rate was its commitment to a sign project designed to boost tourism, [Finance Director and Interim City Manager Terry] Scruggs said. The project involves placing directional signs at strategic entry points to the city and Brevard points of interest.
The new signs will cost the city $18,000 annually over the next 10 years, he said.
Brevard also raised fees for water and sewage 6%.
The lead story, however, explains that Governor Beverly Perdue is junketing about the state not to protest teacher cuts, but to educate citizens that $1.5 billion in tax increases are necessary because the state can find no fat in the budget and can only control costs by firing teachers and cutting other services for chi-i-i-i-i-ildren. Perdue will speak at a rally at T.C. Roberson High School in south Buncombe County Thursday.
