Government reasonably requires revenue source(s) to carry out its essential functions and provide necessary services to its citizens. Often, that revenue is derived from taxation, whether it be on income, sales or property.

There have been countless examples of very questionable and even clearly wasteful spending of public (our) money by numerous governmental entities. Most of us can likely recall several such examples, nationally or locally. This has understandably generated some skepticism among many taxpayers whenever a tax increase is being proposed.

You may ask, “Aren’t we taxed enough already?” Most would agree that government should practice fiscal responsibility and be fully accountable to its citizens and taxpayers. Government officials should demonstrate as much, if not even more, care with our money than they do with their own money.

The Town of Fountain Hills is proposing a new primary property tax of $7 million dollars per year, with the ability by law to increase it by 2 percent annually. Before voting to approve or reject this tax, we must obtain the facts and carefully consider all of the implications and consequences of that decision.

Ballots for the May 15 election will go out in mid-April, so we have one month for that due diligence. On Thursday evening, March 15, Fountain Hills AZ Tea Party welcomes Town Manager Grady Miller, who will give a presentation on the proposed new property tax. We’ll follow with ample opportunity for Q&A, allowing us to gather the information needed for a prudent decision on this issue.

The meeting will be at the Fountain Hills Unified School District Learning Center starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 15. All interested parties are welcome. Admission is free, but free-will donations to offset expenses are gratefully accepted. For more information, please visit fhteaparty.us.