By Scott Unger • Of the News-Register • 

Mac looks at hike in SDC rates, expansion of charges

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Comments

Don Dix

“I am not at all comfortable with the increases,” Chenoweth said. “After all of the increases that we have done over the last several years, I think we need to be cognizant of what we’re laying on top of layers, of layers, of layers of taxation.” Thankyou Chris!

The council is 'cognizant' of any way to get their paws on new money. A sneaky service charge added to W&L bills and scheming to keep a tax designated only for the fire dept. that is no longer funded by the city ... just in the last year. Whatever happened to that quality many possess? ... you know, a conscience.

BigfootLives

Don't worry, Don, it's not a tax for current residents, Mayor Remi promises. This is all part of the affordable housing plan. Mac raises taxes on new development and housing gets affordable in Sheridan.

Don Dix

It's about the council's attitude, BigfootLives. It's money centric and money focused all day every day. If the idea is to create more affordable housing (it is), then to deliberately and knowingly raise the cost fails miserably to meet that goal.

And when was the last report that the council was looking to find ways to cut or reduce spending? Maybe that's how a $2M deficit occurs. To this crowd, 'living within a budget' is just a phrase, and never to be taken seriously.

Bill B

Interesting that you mention the budget Don. Seems to me that I am seeing many new city owned vehicles driving around town. Has anyone done a comparison of the Mac city budget with other Oregon cities of comparable size?

Don Dix

Bill -- I noticed those new vehicles also, but that might be the normal rotation (miles or years of service).

To me it's the council's attitude to spend at will, while not having budget funds to cover. No one gets $2M in the hole accidently, unless they are inept, incompetent, or just don't care -- or maybe a combination. At this point, the council is attempting to add a new tax (Mac Fire designation) without the voter's approval, as well as raising the SDC for new construction. If one cannot see this bassakward ploy to grab more money, they are not paying attention.

tagup

Don- Don’t forget the ( permanent?) “service charge” added to water & light bills.

Don Dix

Question: What is the goal, or end game of this limitless quest to collect more taxes and fees, amounting to millions in a very short time? Buying more speculation land? Paying to remove trees and renovate downtown? Creating a pay schedule for the mayor and council (you know, handling all that money will be strenuous!)?

It might be wise to keep a close eye on that last one!

Don Dix

Question: What is the goal, or end game of this limitless quest to collect more taxes and fees, amounting to millions in a very short time? Buying more speculation land? Paying to remove trees and renovate downtown? Creating a pay schedule for the mayor and council (you know, handling all that money will be strenuous!)?

It might be wise to keep a close eye on that last one!

Don Dix

Sorry

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