“Supervisors could
elect to do several things with the money: reduce the tax rate, add money to the
Capital Improvements Program fund, or add money to the general operating fund
for government and the school
system.

Assessments
have grown steadily in the county since 1997, with the largest increase between
the 1999 and 2001 reassessments. In 1999, the biennial average rate of increase
was 3.5 percent, while in 2001 it was 12.8
percent.”

At some point, perhaps
the public will call for accountability for government’s spending. Paying taxes
is each individual’s responsibility; it is also our responsibility to call our
officials when they choose not to use OUR MONEY wisely.