Tax Hikes

First, I can't believe that it has been a month since I last posted here. A lot of things happening.

As I stated in my last post, the Mayor was quoted as talking about the voters allowed him the flexibility to raise the Water Rates, well guess what, he did just that, he proposed a $1.00 per hundred cubic foot increase beginning in 2006 with half coming this year and the remaining portions coming in 2007 and 2008.

As I figure it on my water bill, that will add an additional $12 to my water bill for '06 and then another 3-4 dollars in years '07 and '08. Not a lot but, we are not big water users. I would figure this is going to impact business who use a lot of water as well as families.

Now to add insult to this hike, the Mayor has also asked for a Income Tax increase for those people who live and work in Lakewood. He is trying to drive this through with out much discussion, but that may have gotten a bit sidetracked.

Hey Mayor -- How much is these new taxes going to bring in to the City coffers?

My answer not a lot. This is purely a ploy for him to go to the Unions and tell them that there is no new money and layoffs will be necessary.

UPDATE -- Just got back from City Council meeting (12/19), the Mayor is proposing to put the increase on the ballot. At least he has the good thought process to let the voters have a crack at it. The Council essentially tabled the idea until the next meeting when the new members are all in place. That is on January 3, 2006.