Article published Feb 7, 2005

Higher business taxes would be fairest

To the editor,

I am writing an open letter to Donna Rowland, elected officials of Rutherford County and the DNJ. So there is no question about my perspective, I will reveal that I was born, raised and lived most of my life in Rutherford County. I have purchased two new houses in the county and paid development fees on both. My parents lived in Rutherford County, and between me and them, 70 years of property taxes have been paid to this municipality. Also, I have never had a child in the county system.

Around 1998 the county made a pretty big deal of a community strategic plan. A report was published by this prominent group of approximately 200 citizens/business people suggesting among other things that an impact fee should be established to help pay for growth. The report is even posted on the county Web site. Today, Jan. 12, a writer to the DNJ suggests only a small group wants alternative taxes. The writer doesn't identify whether he is employed within the group that benefits from growth. Instead, he states, certainly, that "we all" benefit from growth. He simply ignores the possibility that some may benefit more than others and some may not benefit at all.

I consider it the height of arrogance for anyone to suggest that property taxes, including excise taxes on realty sales, are the fairest method to pay for growth!

My opinions have always reflected that the fairest taxation would be business taxes. Sales taxes would also be fair. Poor people would not buy as much as the wealthy, so their kids, who did not ask to be born, would not suffer. But, business owners get furious if you mention anything so heretical. And, most local pols are business owners or get most of their campaign funds from business.

Vendors fume over business taxes, screaming that it would decimate the local economy. But, the hotel/motel tax breezed through the commission without a debate. Hospitality "guests" pay 14.75 percent taxes, yet 2004 was one of best years for this local industry.

Sales taxes would also be fair. The only debate I have heard regarding increased sales tax is that people will buy in neighboring counties. It is an empty argument. Only an idiot would spend $2 to save 15 cents.

Fighting for higher business or sales taxes has proven futile, in spite of the evidence in support of fairness. So, alternative taxes are the next fairest. Writing to the DNJ, Mr. (Mike) Baldwin says many of these new home purchasers are our relatives and we have never singled out a group to tax.

I paid the development tax on my second house. I knew the cost. I could have bought an existing structure if I dissented. Many municipalities as well as the federal government have legislated policies that support starter houses and programs to help people afford homes. The adequate facilities tax will be one of these because smaller houses will cost less based not only on square footage, but also a smaller percentage. The building industry in Rutherford County has done almost nothing to help the poor buy houses. Contrarily, one of these people suggested that the adequate facilities tax would cause shoddy workmanship. This is the industry with the most illegal aliens. Their motivation is unadulterated greed.

Bob Williams

Lee Avenue