Letters to the Editor

If given a choice between sales tax and property tax, take property tax hike

Tue, 08/05/2008 - 3:15pm
By: Letters to the ...

Do you want a millage increase on your property taxes or a penny sales tax increase?

I am a homeowner, but here is why I would rather have a millage increase than a penny sales tax increase:

1. I can deduct what I pay in property taxes from my state and federal income tax return. I cannot deduct sales tax, so the sales tax will actually cost me more.

2. Fayette County businesses have an advantage that they will not have if there is a sales tax increase. Many businesses are struggling as it is. How will this affect them?

3. If Fayette County had a large tourism industry, this might make sense, but we don’t. So, we are the ones who will pay, one way or another. I would rather pay something that can reduce my state and federal income taxes.

4. A sales tax is a regressive tax.

If it is an either/or question, I would rather have a millage increase in my property taxes than an increase in sales tax.

Dr. Mary Kay Bacallao

Brooks, Ga.

[Dr. Bacallao was a candidate in the recent race for Board of Education Post 2, which was won by incumbent Terri Smith, the chairman of the board.]

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Dr Bacallao..the voice of what could have been
suggarfoot's picture
Submitted by suggarfoot on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 7:28am.

I read this and can only think what a logical and honest person we could have had on the school board.


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You're Right
Tug13's picture
Submitted by Tug13 on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 2:34pm.

I will NEVER understand how J.Smola and T.Smith got re-elected! I don't know anybody who admits voting for those two!


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SPLOST Vs. Property Tax Hike
Submitted by inmyopinion on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 6:55am.

One of the reasons we are in the current financial situation at the BOE is that Fayette County did not follow the wisdom of the majority of counties in Georgia several years ago and pass a SPLOST to finance school construction. They have the flexibility to lower property taxes and look at the property tax as abackup for technology, maintenance etc. Yes, the SPLOST is a tax, however as Fayette County has significantly increased their Bond debt over the past twelve years, surrounding counties have lowered the bond debt and have schools that are 100% paid in full. We pay 2-3 times the stated upfront cost for our schools with debt service to the Bond during the 20 to 30 year term. Every time you travel to surrounding Counties to shop, you contribute to their school construction. Fayette County residents have paid the regressive tax for construction of schools in Coweta, Clayton and Fulton counties. If you look at what you pay over the five year period for the SPLOST vs. the 20-30 years of increased property taxes, the difference in your personal cash flow is significant.

My question to the taxpayers in Fayette County - We have passed a SPLOST for Road construction, Are the schools less of a priority than roads?

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Yes, our schools are important!
Submitted by Bryan47 on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 5:56pm.

Indeed they are, however, giving more money to our school district isn't the answer to the problem. Better stewardship and management oversight is. If they are not currently using the resources already provided effectively and efficiently then why should the taxpayer be so inclined to trust them with more revenue? It is long since time to stop the madness and hold the FCBOE totally accountable for every nickel spent. There are a number of ways to cut costs, increase efficiency, share resources across the school district, and increase the quality of the product they produce, the student.

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How come
Submitted by heatjam on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 9:41am.

How come when the Board was trying to get the Bond passed, Dr. DeCotis and all of the powers that be talked about how bad a SPLOST was and that the counties that relied on SPLOST $$$ were hurting...?

Seems like they talk from both sides of their mouths.

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