Say no to property tax increase. A proponent of the property tax increase recently explained property taxes need to be increased because the sales tax “just isn’t cutting it.” My current property taxes aren’t much less than what they were back east (one of the 10 highest property tax states in the country).

However, taxes back east included snow removal, garbage/recycle/yard waste pick-up, weekly residential street cleaning, all of which are not included in Fountain Hills property taxes. Arizona sales tax is considerably higher and is spread over tourism to keep our property taxes lower.

Fountain Hills has many empty commercial business buildings, which have been empty for years, yet they’re adding more. Vote yes on the Economic Development Department working harder on bringing retail businesses and tourism to Fountain Hills.

Old Town Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Carefree have done it and done it well. Fountain Hills needs more retail tourism businesses, which will increase sales tax. Fountain Hills has one department store. This forces residents to support Scottsdale’s economy, being forced to shop there.

I understand the property tax increase is to cover fire stations and police departments. Do we really need fire stations every mile, and how much crime do we have? Fountain Hills is asking homeowners to support their town, yet no consideration is being given to homeowners by the Town of Fountain Hills, which has allowed eyesores like fire departments, water tank facilities and apartment complexes to be built in our neighborhoods, ruining values of homes and the beauty of our area.

Is it poor planning, budgeting, or greed and the bottom line?