Tax Levy Information Enters Final Week

This week is the last week for scheduled events to better inform the public on the reasons for pursuing a property tax levy increase.

Tom Workman will be presenting tomorrow night at the Neosho Rec Center around 6pm.  (Tom’s had to step up and save me because of a scheduling conflict I had in Wisconsin – Thanks Tom!)

Anyway, the purpose is clear:  Neosho is almost out of money and without an infusion of cash, the city will have to cut around $1.2 million from next year’s budget (and almost $2.3 million over the next fix years) to offset the shortfall.  Those cuts will very likely impact the city’s ability to provide basic services such as police and fire.

A few points to remember:

• Much of the surplus property we own (Old Methodist Church, golf course and the former Betz Bond property for example) are being held as collateral for loans taken out in the past.  Any cash derived from selling must go first to repay the debt.  Selling those pieces of property won’t generate cash.  Therefore, it won’t fix the problem.  (JC, I read your letter to the editor.  I hope this clears up any confusion you had.) 
• The city gave up a property tax in 1998 for a 3/8% parks and stormwater tax.  None of that tax can go toward helping with police/fire protection in our city. 
• Fire Dept. budget this year is around $1.4 million.  Compare that to $1.2 million 20 years ago.
• Property insurance costs will rise if fire services are reduced.
• We won’t need the $1.00 levy for very long (maybe 2 years).  But we can’t dig out of this hole overnight.

Thanks to all of you who have taken time to be informed.  If you support our efforts, get out this week and talk to your friends.  Post your support on facebook.  Send out 10-20 emails to your friends. 

To Mike, Greg, David and all of the folks in your departments, I’m behind you all the way.  Let’s get our city back to what we want it to be!