March 29, 2024

Why burden the tax payers

Hats off the Shawn James, his letter said it all.

Newton is raising the tax levy almost $18/1000 to pay for two police officers and an assistant for the Newton Fire Department. Most everyone would agree public safety is a top concern, but why is a property tax increase ever needed? Jasper County residential assessment are up 15 percent in 2020. There should be a windfall of money rolling into the city, county and schools, but it’s still not enough for Newton. Time will tell about the county and schools.

The city is overspending with too many projects and trying to keep up “economic development” and re-inventing the town. There’s been too many incentives to developers and handouts to others. It has to put the tax burden directly on the residential property owners. Mr. Muckler says 2021, 22 and 23 won’t be any better budgetwise. Yet the city just borrowed more money and released the 2019-2021 goals with 23 new projects. Why keep all this going? The city should re-examine their priorities and not raise taxes. Do what you can afford and not what you want.

Carole Doane

Newton