Letter About Taxes

Levy County Elected Officials - Out of touch with constituents
Editor:

Were you there? I am talking about the Levy County September 11th millage rate meeting. This was the meeting that they (the elected Levy county commis-sioners) thought was going to be just another Cedar Key "Tea Party"...But to their surprise, there was a broad cross section of concerned Levy County taxpayers from all corners of our county.
For nearly 2 hours many of our fellow tax-payers stood up and offered viable alternative solutions for the proposed property tax millstone that is about to be placed around the neck of the tax-payers of Levy County.
The commissioners, acting as if they had been sitting there with their hearing aids off, unanimously, and unemotionally with no debate, voted on their proposed token 1 point roll-back of the mill-rate. This amounts to an outrageous 43% increase in revenue over the previous year! When was the last time that you had a 43% raise?
Our Levy county commissioners didn't even think enough of their constituents to provide a copy of the proposed budget.
We need serious tax reform. As it now stands, we are being taxed on the speculation that our property values have in-creased...In fact, we do not realize an increase in value (or even a decrease in value) until we sell the property and a buyer agrees to pay the asking price. Then and only then is the new value of the property truly known. The only person who can truly determine the fair price of a property is the person buying the property.
Proposal
1. Rally of all concerned Levy County citizens
• Rally Agenda: To make our wishes known to the Governor and soon to be elected in-coming Governor thru a variety of ways including: News media; Letters (both electronic and US Mail) and petitions.
i.The Governor, as it turns out is the only person who can "Oust/Fire" elected commis-sioners.
• Create a Media Event - To put our elected county commissioners in the "hot seat" of the local, State and National news media.
2. Rally Date - Thursday, October 12th, 7pm
3. Location – Downtown Cedar Key
4. What to bring - Let's make this a news event...Bring banners, copies of your proposed tax bills and Boldness...We'll provide the petitions and sample letters to the Governor
5. Volunteers Needed – If un-fair property taxes are hurting you and your loved ones or if you just want to help out...Please call: 352-543-0460.
Make your voice count. Now is the time to make a difference before the election.

...Were you there?
Not to worry if you were not...It wouldn't have mattered...And that's why we need to demonstrate our wishes in an extreme way. We need to S.T.A.N.D. up Together and be seen.

S – Strength in numbers
T – Taxpayers Unite
A – Alliance – We are all in this together
N – No unfair taxes
D – (You) Do make a difference!

Not a property owner? - If you think this is just a property owners fight...Here's a sobering thought...Unfair taxes can keep you from owning property...You too should come to the rally!
A website will be set up with information and suggested letter content.

Sincerely Yours,
Bill Phillips,
Levy County Tax Payer