“There’s just so many times you can ask the public to raise its own taxes,” he said.
This from Orange County Commission Chairman Barry Jacobs, commenting to the News & Observer about the tax environment for tonight’s meeting, at which the commission will discuss whether to put a sales tax hike before voters in November.
The commissioner-supported land transfer tax went down in flames earlier this year. What’s more I just received my property tax bill, which reflects the tax rate hike that catapulted Orange’s rate to 99.8 cents per $100. Thus, I must pay even more money to Orange County and receive nothing tangible in return.
I wish Jacobs and the other commissioners understood that people are willing to pay local taxes for core services such as fire, police and schools. Problem is, the prevailing ideology among Orange commissioners is that government is the first option to address any real or perceived problem or want. Citizens have watched their tax bills soar as a result of a years-long spending spree to fund items that are clearly “wants” not needs.
Will commissioners roll the dice and put a sales tax hike on the ballot? History — and their insatiable quest for more cash — says they will. Stay tuned.
