Approximately 150 people showed up to oppose a 1.7-cent tax increase in Haywood County. Citizens begged the commissioners to tighten their belts like taxpayers have had to. Unfortunately, numerous cuts suggested by citizens had already been made. For example, all donations to nonprofits and all contributions for municipal recreation were cut. Other suggestions, like the standard taxation-without-representation room tax, would require state legislation, and the deadline for submitting bills has passed. Some more astute protesters challenged the county for investing in economic development that never happened and purchasing a $1 million chunk of real estate for recreational purposes. Other citizens told the commissioners if they minded the pennies, the dollars would take care of themselves. One said if the commissioners were as stingy with their money as they were with public comment opportunities, the county would not be in such a mess.
by Leslee Kulba
Wild West blogger