Reader Writes Crystal Lake Sales Tax Hike "Ill Founded"

Into my email box came the following letter from Eugene A. Brown:

Crystal Lake Sales Tax Increase

The retail sales tax increase seems to be ill founded but probably viewed more favorably by those of a Socialist leaning.

Pronouncements of benefits to the taxpayer are based on obscure claims rather than factual quantitative information.

The Crystal Lake councilmen and the Economic Development Committee (EDC) are purportedly comprised of sensible people or astute businessmen and women.

Alas, where is there a fact based economic analysis that clearly justifies this taxpayer expense?

The lack of a bonafide detailed analysis creates the impression that the EDC, trustees and Mayor are ineffective and failing to serve the taxpayer and community.

Some of the many considerations remain such as:

  • If the community cries for projects like Vulcan Lakes and similar projects, why not issue bonds and let a user fee support the cost?
  • For others that say they will not notice the increase in tax, they are free to send the city contributions any time they wish. How many will do this?
  • Of course, there is always the option to have a referendum to determine if the taxpayers really support of the many projects and accompanying tax. This could avoid suspicion that the City Councilmen and Mayor really prefer a free hand to create building projects for their political friends.

The bottom line is that only one (Councilman Jeff Thorsen) is really considering the prudent path that best represents responsible governance.

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The photograph is of Crystal Lake City Councilman Jeff Thorsen. The banker is in explanation mode.


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