The individuals opposing the primary property tax offer only one solution, “cut costs,” suggesting that the town council and staff have been indiscreetly over-spending with disregard for citizens’ concerns. This disingenuous opinion is contrary to the documented facts.

The “just cut costs” mentality ignores the fact that Fountain Hills has been continuously cutting. The proof is that we remain as one of the very lowest spending per capita towns by every measure and have the lowest number of employees per capita in all of Maricopa County. Our spending per capita is 70 percent less than Scottsdale and 15 percent below Mesa.

The critics are generally misinformed or unaware and not influenced by the actual financial facts. Espousing financial views contrary to the published audited statements is irresponsible. The town’s fiscal reports are all available at fh.az.gov.

Critics’ lack of suggestions for reasonable solutions or indications as to what and how much to cut is understandable. What is there to cut?

Look around at the amenities in place that we enjoy. The council and staff have managed well to create and maintain our special, small town on a judicious budget.

We have more and pay less than our neighboring towns. We were blessed in the past with adequate funding sources. However, these fading sources are waning and will not sustain our basic needs without sacrificing current and anticipated amenities to which residents feel entitled. It is time to recognize our dire situation and secure our town’s healthy future with the essential primary property tax.