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Highlands Today

Higher School Tax Rate Proposed

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Robert Lewis

Published: August 4, 2008

The July 31 issue of this newspaper had the headline "Higher School Tax Rate Proposed." I would prefer to see a headline that reads "Lower Rate of Spending Proposed." Of course, we will most likely not ever see that.

However, I would propose that the school board and the commissions of the county and various municipalities publish an income and expense statement in the two local newspapers. By publishing these two statements we the taxpayers would be able to see just where the income is derived and where it is spent On the income side it should indicate exactly where the source is, for example; real estate tax, fuel tax and sales tax etc. and on the expense side exactly where our tax dollars are going, for example; payrolls, new vehicles, travel and entertainment, police and fire, consultants and donations etc.

There should be no catch all, let's hide it in miscellaneous categories. We the taxpayers have the right to know just how our money is being spent. If you believe as I do regarding the publishing of such statements, don't hold your breath waiting, as the ones in power do not want you to know how they are spending your money. Please don't let them tell you that the budget accomplishes this as it does not. A budget is proposed spending and income not exact spending and income, that has take place over a previous period of time.

Robert Lewis
Sebring

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