Fayetteville Speaks: Lions and tigers and bears, the millage failed
The millage failed and everyone is talking about it. What are we going to do now?
The sky has fallen.
Well, I voted for it, and here’s what I think: big deal. This isn’t going to prevent us from having one helluva school district.
Practically speaking, the plan can be made better. And it will be! Our school board and the administration have new people, and they weren’t as large a part of the old plan as they could be now. They can be involved from the beginning of a new process. With time to refine the project, it will end up even more reflective of what we all want.
Another vote with them is at least one year away, but what comes next will be a success with voters. We can all feel a new Fayetteville coming, and we’re ready to make it the best it can be.
I think… it might be time to raise city taxes.
Matthew Petty
Fayetteville
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Offcamber
September 18, 2009
These nebulous blank-check fantasies about a New Fayetteville are what failed the millage, and they will continue to harm practical and necessary progress.
Fayetteville has a real and current need to accommodate an expanding body of high school students. The failed plan was a setback of time and money, and your brief, cliched response to the matter inspires no more confidence among taxpayers.
Cities aren’t run on feelings. Give the community a thoughtful and effective plan, and we’ll *think* about supporting a tax increase.
You are right about Fayetteville schools succeeding no matter what, though. Dedicated teachers, parents, and students will work together for education no matter who cycles through points of leadership.
Ronnie
September 19, 2009
I think…. I am taxed enough in this city already, and I have two kids in the F’ville school system. Buildings don’t teach kids, teachers do. Come back with a realistic plan in phases to be completed over a fire or ten year plan and the tax payers *might* pass a smaller millage. Lower the taxes I already pay and I *might* consider voting for an increase for something else.
Me
September 19, 2009
I do believe that some level of taxation is necessary and patriotic. But you have to draw the line somewhere. I am in the 30% income tax bracket so combined with 9.25% sales tax and property tax of over $100/month, I am well over 40% taxed. I also smoke and drink (don’t worry, I pay for my own health care so I’m not costing anyone extra) so I might even be up to 50% taxed. I simply don’t want to give up any more without being darn sure it is worth it. Maybe if Fayetteville weren’t so adverse to businesses we’d have enough tax revenue to avoid raising property tax 10% above anyone else in the area? Seriously though, Matthew, where do you draw the line between necessary and patriotic tax and simply too much? 50%, 60%, more? I am solidly in the middle class so there are plenty of people with similar tax levels… do you believe we aren’t paying enough now?
Me
September 19, 2009
@ Matthew Speaking of taxes, I found out yesterday that Arkansas is one of the handfull of states that has an extra tax on sodas… I have railed against such a thing in the past not knowing we already had it on the books. Do you know when that passed and how much it is by chance (I know it isn’t a city matter)?
Brandon Kittler
September 19, 2009
@Me – It was passed during a special legislative session in 1992, to try and put more money into the Medicaid program. The people then voted on it in 1994, passing with 55%. It is a rate of $0.02/12oz and generates between $47 and $48 million per year, earmarked for Medicaid.