Why I'm voting 'yes' on both ballot questions
Residents within the McCook city limits have about a week to make a decision that will have an impact on the future of the community, as well as the entire area. Mail-in ballots for the City of McCook Special Election must be in the hands of the Red Willow County Clerk's office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12.
The two-question ballot first asks city residents whether or not they want to extend the 1.5 percent sales tax for an additional 15 years. The second question asks voters whether or not they want to use a portion of that sales tax to renew and fund the city's Economic Development Program administered by the McCook Economic Development Corp.
The current 1.5 percent sales tax expires in 2018, and the city is asking residents to extend that same tax for a period of fifteen years -- until 2033. A one percent sales tax has been in existence in McCook since it was approved by voters in 2000. The half percent was approved by voters in 2007.
I would like to share with you why I am voting YES to both ballot questions.
Ballot Question 1
I believe that the funds generated through the sales tax give city leaders the ability to make cost effective decisions when capital investments are needed. I believe that failure to continue this source of funds for the city would require drastic cuts to city services, some of which I consider vital to maintain the quality of life we have all come to enjoy in Southwest Nebraska.
City leaders have used the 1 percent sales tax for the last 15 years to make needed improvements to streets, water and sewer infrastructure, trash services, parks and swimming pool, fire and rescue equipment, and the Senior Center. They have used the funds to pay down debt in the water and sewer departments, and to build a municipal center which will serve our needs for many years to come.
Voting no would mean that you believe that the streets will not continue to need repairs in future years; that the swimming pool, parks, and Senior Center are luxuries that you are willing to see go away; that you are willing to accept substandard EMS and fire equipment if you ever have the misfortune of needing those services; and that you would be ok with trash pick-up being reduced. If the sales tax is not approved, the city could and probably would increase the real estate tax levy to maintain essential services. But even if they raised the levy to the maximum allowed by law, they will still be over one million dollars short annually of providing the same level of services that we have come to enjoy for the past 15 years. Something would have to go.
Ballot Question 2
I believe that economic development is complicated and requires dedicated staff to work through the many aspects that the job entails. Some recent examples include: implementing a multi-faceted solution to a very real housing shortage; working through the most responsible way to demolish a hazardous downtown building; restoring another downtown building to its former grandeur while at the same time creating a one-stop business service center; facade improvement programs for businesses; loans for businesses; and assisting with business expansions.
Those activities would not happen without a lot of i's being dotted and t's being crossed. The MEDC is governed by a very capable board of directors who have invested in the future of McCook through their membership in MEDC. But those directors are responsible for running banks and hospitals and private businesses. McCook has a very capable city manager, but he is responsible for seeing that the fire, police and water department are running smoothly.
Rex Nelson and his staff at the MEDC are the only ones whose sole and primary responsibility is to overcome any obstacles that may keep McCook from growing. We should not hamper their ability to succeed by reducing the tools available to them for doing that. Economic development deserves a full-time commitment and a full tool chest to continue the work that the voters began seven years ago.
My reason for voting YES for both measures has little to do with property taxes, although I can complain with the best of them about my tax bill.
My reasons for voting YES is that this is my community and I want to see it continue to grow and prosper. I am so proud to show out-of-towners a vibrant downtown. I marvel at the changes that have happened and continue to happen along North Highway 83 over the past 15 years. I would love for my children and (someday) grandchildren to make McCook their homes. But even if they don't, I want them to be able to come home to visit and patronize new businesses and participate in fun activities. I want them to be able to visit my gravesite someday without hiking through a sticker patch to get to it.
Be sure that your ballot is into the Red Willow County Clerk's office by 5 p.m. next Tuesday.