Comments on: Lions and tigers and bears, the millage failed

By: Brandon Kittler

Brandon Kittler — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:32:51 +0000

@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.

By: Me

Me — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:07:13 +0000

@ 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)?

By: Me

Me — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:04:11 +0000

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?

By: Ronnie

Ronnie — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:25:57 +0000

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.

By: Offcamber

Offcamber — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:36:37 +0000

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.