The City Council meeting last Monday was quite brief and I like it that way as it shows good organization. Only three council members were present; the missing probably had more important business to attend to.  Those in attendance got it all done in just over a half hour. I may have missed some; the sound system is either poor or the staff and council refuse to use it. Anyhow it is hard for this old guy to hear every word spoken, but then maybe that is intended for us kibitzers.

The city business that got my attention was the discussion on how to mount a campaign to reauthorize the city's one-cent added on sales tax. Only one council member, Aaron Kircher, seemed concerned that the added tax might not be necessary. Our City Manager was firmly convinced that continuation of the tax is absolutely essential but isn't that the way of all tax spenders? "Give me your hard-earned dollars because I can spend them much better than you who earned them," seems to be the way of appointed government officials. To be fair, though, our city manager is only carrying out the desires of the City Council.  It is our elected council members who should have the best interests of the city in mind. If they determine that we need the added tax to insure a prosperous future for McCook then by all means put the measure on the ballot and see if the voters agree. 

First a little history on McCook's sales tax.  After many unsuccessful tries in the past, voters authorized the present sales tax after two key provisions were inserted into the campaign.  Number one was the sunset provision. In plain English that means that the tax would automatically be terminated unless, by a vote of the people, specifically reauthorized it.

A second provision was also critical to get the new tax passed and that was promising to take half the revenues generated and decrease the property tax burden by that much. However that tax offset was only for residents of McCook, those who were able to vote the issue.

I'm reminded that the  only fair tax is one that I don't have to pay, you don't have to pay but that guy over there has to pay (author unknown to me).

That illustrates our one-cent sales tax in spades. Yep we all have to pay it but those who live outside the city limits get no property tax relief at all, definitely a "fair" tax!

The council will be talking about their strategy to get the extra tax reauthorized this coming Monday night. It might be a good idea to let your favorite councilmember know that you aren't interested in paying more taxes. 

But then if you like the extra tax or don't really care, just keep sitting on your hands. Councilman Kircher may find it a little lonely if only he and I are of the opinion that we already pay enough taxes and quite possibly increased efficiency in tax spending may be a better answer.

I would like to see the city put together a budget based on the income generated by the statutory 30 cents property tax limit and live within it.

Forget the free money generated by the sales tax. If the public votes NO they will have to do it anyway.

That is the way I see it.