Ex-Council Member Conny Culver is doing her best to warn us all about the actions and potential actions of some on the Oro Valley Council. We have tried to do the same. Here is an important message from Conny Conny. Please consider her words.
Art
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Oro Valley Seeking THREE new TAXES
The POLITICIANS ACCOUNTABILITY COALITION, a Political Action Committee (PAC-PAC) is launching a campaign to inform Oro Valley residents of the current Town Councils apparent intent to reach even further into the pockets of Oro Valley residents. It is the intent of PAC-PAC* to inform the residents of proposed policy action as the next election for three (3) Town Council members grows closer.
*The PAC PAC (Politician Accountability Coalition Political Action Committee) is dedicated to improving the accountability of candidates to the people they serve or desire to serve.
The first step is to bring concerned citizens to a public hearing to share their views on the proposed increases in taxes and fees. While many residents are struggling financially in the midst of the national economic crisis, the elected officials of Oro Valley appear to be unable to curb their spending habits.
The next Oro Valley Town Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20 at 6 PM. The first item on the regular agenda is the CALL TO THE AUDIENCE, each speaker has three minutes to present. Please attend and voice your opposition to the 'proposed new revenues' currently under consideration by members of the Town Council.
To continue current fiscal assumptions and "funding beyond our means" by the Town Council is simply bad policy. The proposed plan is to increase the local sales tax and double the the controversial Utility Tax.
Also proposed are fee increases for the use of OV public facilities.
All of these proposals can be passed by a simple vote of the Council.
Additionally there is a plan to "educate the public on the need for a Property Tax" this summer. This would require the approval of the registered voters of Oro Valley. If passed, the Town Council could raise the taxes at will. IF the voters approve a Real Estate Property Tax. The campaign to initiate a Property Tax would be funded at the expense of OV residents.
The budget has increased dramatically while the population of Oro Valley has grown by only 1,100 (per the 2010 US Census) based on the 2000 US Census. Why are these increases necessary? Why has our budget spiraled out of control?
Please visit the Town of Oro Valley website: www.orovalleyaz.gov
On the home page, right side you will find the NOTICE OF INTENT TO IMPOSE OR INCREASE FEES OR TAXES. (also pasted below this notice)
I'm asking residents of Oro Valley to please attend this meeting and voice your concerns regarding these additional 'revenue generating' policies prior to due diligence being demonstrated during the budgeting process.
Conny Culver
Chair, Politician Accountability Coalition, A Political Action Committee and Former Oro Valley Council Member
Notice of Intent to Impose or Increase Fees or Taxes
Pursuant to A.R.S. 9-499.15, the Town of Oro Valley is providing notice at least sixty days prior to the date the proposed new or increased fee or tax is scheduled to be approved or disapproved at a meeting of the Oro Valley Town Council. Agenda packets are generally available at least ten days prior to the Council meeting.
Date Posted
Proposed Fee/Tax to be Imposed/Increased
Date of Council Meeting
February 24, 2011
2% Increase to the Utility Tax
May 4, 2011
February 24, 2011 Increase to the following: Pool entrance fee; Pool lane rental fee; Ball field rental fee; Ramada rental fee; Permit fee for inflatables and piñatas; and Racquetball court fees May 4, 2011
February 25, 2011 Increase to the following liquor licensing fees: liquor license application fee; liquor license fee; and special event liquor license May 4, 2011
March 24, 2011 0.25% Increase to the Town's transaction privilege sales tax June 1, 2011
3 comments:
Thanks to Conny for her leadership. Let's support her and make our voices heard.
There are several questions the Council did not ask at the Employee Medical & Ancillary portion of the Town Council meeting the other night.
Was the health insurance shopped out to other brokers besides the incumbent?
What are the fees the broker is charging, and what services are being provided by the broker to justify the fees (ie claim management)?
What is the current loss ratio, and if the loss ratio is high what steps have been taken for enhanced risk management to lower the loss ratio?
In the private sector no one is paying such rich benefits, and a sampling of three municipal plans for comparison purposes is not sufficent data. Where is this data so the council can review public sector vs private sector plans and cost?
This serious budget item sticks out like a sore thumb, and needs treatment from others outside of our current staff and council.
Also, I'm not sure if any lines are being crossed, but since our Mayor is a dentist shouldn't he be very careful when discussing dental providers for the town.
Hey Turtle--- On of the best things about our blog is the fact that it allows intelligent, knowledgeable Oro Valley residents a forum to raise important & critical issues.
Your astute comment is very much appreciated.
Although a number of Oro Valley staff and council members are readers of the blog, I wouldn't expect any of them to respond to the points you noted.
That is really too bad.
But then again, as long as the cops and others can get their raises, and the citizens can get increases in their taxes, why should those that constantly show disdain to the people, really care about insurance premiums paid for by the taxpayers?
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