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Highlands Today

Taxing districts

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Richard Duvigneaud

Published: April 23, 2009

I am strongly opposed to any creation of new taxing districts, a.k.a. taxing methods such as MTSU, to specialize the collection of taxes for EMS, countywide fire rescue, public schools or any such purpose.

Michael Wright has insulted the intelligence of Highlands County taxpayers. Most taxpayers know and understand where their ad-valorem taxes are being spent.

While it is true that many have no idea where the penny sales tax, or the tourist tax, or gasoline tax, etc., is being spent, it is crystal clear how ad-valorem taxes are spent in this county.

As I have written before on similar issues, I believe these innovative taxing methods are nothing more than an attempt to short circuit the intent of the state Legislature's mandate to cap local real estate ad-valorem taxes.

Special interests are mostly driven to demand more money, as part of their ties to local and national labor unions.

I am asking respectfully that Mr. Wright lower county taxes, reduce spending and reduce services to meet a balanced budget.

Richard Duvigneaud
Sebring

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