I noted in a recent letter to the Times that, even after many letters to the editor and articles in the paper, there are still those who do not understand that we do not have a local property tax or why the Environmental Fee was implemented, let alone why an out-of-state firm was selected to collect it.

tells me that much work remains if we are to find a more sustainable and long-term source of revenue for the town and to successfully implement the chosen method. Talk to your friends and acquaintances about the needs they see.

Speak to your Town Council members and make every effort to learn more about the budget process, where our revenues come from, and how they must be spent by law. I also urge the Council to continue to share this information by every means available.

The survey being conducted by the Vision Fountain Hills committee is everyone’s opportunity to make their voice heard. Then take part in the next step and attend the town meeting where the results will be shared and discussed. This effort is not something nice to do, it is something we must do if we care about keeping Fountain Hills the nice place to live that we all enjoy.

The survey is available on line at visionfh.org.

Complaints about speeders are on the increase, as are problems with strangers seeking opportunities for criminal activities in our neighborhoods. I think this is an indicator that we need to increase police coverage, not consider reducing the number of patrol units in order to save money. Road repairs are taking longer to complete and costs increasing because of the forced deferring of maintenance.

We must take action now to stem the depreciation of the town’s infrastructure.