No fear in discussing sales tax

To the editor:

Recently, a letter to the editor stated that there was “fear” in Fairmont regarding the proposed 0.5 percent sales tax that is on the November ballot. I have not encountered fear. What I have encountered is a robust discussion involving common sense and basic economics.

Times are tough, and in tough times common sense is a tool that creates personal and community resilience. It is common sense that has voters looking at Martin County’s proposed 13.57 percent property tax increase and the City of Fairmont’s proposed 9.1 percent increase with concern.

Requesting the voters to approve a second sales tax in this environment was bound to generate healthy conversation.

The current 0.5 percent local option sales tax will be in place until at least 2032. It generates around $1.15M in annual revenue for the City of Fairmont. The new sales tax aspires to bring in the same amount, effectively doubling the sales tax income to the City to $2.3M.

Tax dollars come from real people who have to live within their incomes. In other words, money doesn’t grow on trees. Basic personal economics, with the common sense question “Can I afford more taxes?”, requires each of us to consider the additional sales tax thoughtfully.

The choice has nothing to do with fear. This is the only tax increase in which the voters have a choice this year. Those who think more taxes will make Fairmont a better place to live will vote “Yes”. Those who think more taxes will be detrimental will vote “No”.

It couldn’t be simpler.

Diana Bradley

Fairmont