I haven’t been so worked up over a tax hike proposal since the McHenry County Republican Cat Tax (which surely some Democratic Party county board candidate is smart enough to use).
While the McHenry County College baseball stadium proposal ticked me and others off because it is so far off the junior college’s mission and received a withering critique from MCC’s 3rd party reviewer, one cannot identify how much it will raise taxes or tuition, if the baseball promoter’s projected revenues do not materialize.
With Mayor Aaron Shepley’s 75% sales tax, however, all the mystery is removed.
Anyone who has even a rudimentary knowledge of economics can easily predict the negative effects of its passage.
Let’s see.
Higher prices equals fewer shoppers.
It’s pretty basic supply and demand.
While the stores down Randall Road in Lake in the Hills and Algonquin now have higher sales taxes than Crystal Lake, they won’t after July 1st.
With their newer retail outlets, why would someone want to shop in Crystal Lake’s older buildings, if one had a choice?
Tens of thousands have that choice every day when they drive home from work.
Why shop at Jewel or Dominck’s in Crystal Lake, when it will cost less at the intersection of Algonquin and Randall Roads?
And, why would a new retailer want to locate in Crystal Lake with its highest in McHenry County sales taxes?
Hence, the reason for my posting this New York license plate today.
The tax hiking Crystal Lake City Council is heading toward a totally predictable fiasco.
= = = = =
On top, Keely cat can be seen on look out duty, just in case one of those Republican Cat Tax Collectors tries to sneak around to the back of the house.
If you want to make your views known about the city council’s 75% sales tax hike, emails may be sent to
- Ralph Dawson,
- Cathy Ferguson,
- Dave Goss,
- Brett Hopkins,
- Ellen Brady Mueller,
- Aaron Shepley, and
- Jeff Thorsen
Put their names in the subject line.