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To the editor: On April
5, 2011, voters will be asked this question: "Shall the county of
Logan, Illinois, be authorized to impose a 1% retailers' occupation
tax and a service occupation tax to be used exclusively for school
facility purposes?"
If approved by the majority of voters, the countywide sales tax
will not be collected on groceries, vehicle purchases, prescription
drugs, medicine, medical supplies, farm machinery, farm parts, car
repairs or haircuts. Money generated can only be used for school
facility purposes, such as new roofs, energy conservation, safety,
security and disability access. It cannot be used for salaries
and/or benefits.
If voters approve this referendum, the Lincoln Community High
School Board of Education will meet after the election to lower
property taxes. Board of Education members have passed a resolution
stating any increased revenues will be used to pay off existing
bonds, which will lower the district's tax rate and save property
owners money.
[to top of second column in this letter] |
There are many advantages to increasing local revenues through a
sales tax and decreasing property taxes. A sales tax is spread over
a much larger number of people, which greatly decreases the impact
to the local shopper. Estimates show upwards of 1 million travelers
each year stop and shop in Logan County. Everyone will be paying
their fair share to educate our students, not just landowners. The
amount of money the average person spends in sales taxes on an
annual basis pales in comparison to what is paid in property taxes.
The fact is that shopping in Lincoln and Logan County supports
local businesses that employ thousands of people. Education is a
critical issue that transcends political boundaries. Academic
performance of our students and schools, as well as the physical
condition of educational facilities, plays a large part in making
Logan County an attractive area for future growth and development.
And, everyone who shops in Logan County will contribute to the local
economy and help lower property taxes.
Robert Bagby
Superintendent, Lincoln Community High School
[Posted
March 17, 2011]
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