How does Wichita Falls city management view citizens’ money and the economics of local government?
A story on upcoming bond debt proposals for Wichita Falls citizens by News Channel 6, says the package would “be a 16 cent property tax increase…” The news outlet asked: “Why a property tax increase instead of sales tax increase?”
“Deputy City Manager Jim Dockery says they have reached their limit on the sales taxes but not the property tax. He also said the reason they have to ask for so much money is because the tax base is not growing,” the station reported.
The competition, KFDX, reported on the same issue saying: “For every hundred dollars of appraised property value, a property owner could see a 16.19 cent increase, given that all of the propositions pass.”
KFDX quoted City Manager Darron Leiker as saying: “Our annual revenue growth has not been sufficient to do a lot of these projects, meaning that the tax base has not grown.”
Is there even a speck of responsibility in admitting that city income growth is flat so we should go add a ton more debt that has to be paid off with first dollars of what income we have?
Setting aside whether citizens want more debt and significantly higher taxes on themselves in Wichita Falls, are the statements of the city manager and deputy city manager any different than individuals who say their income isn’t rising and they’ve maxed out on the hours they can work but, because they want a new car and home theater, they’ll just apply for yet another credit card?
Is there even a speck of responsibility in admitting that city income growth is flat so we should go add a ton more debt that has to be paid off with first dollars of what income we have?
It is irresponsible, shameful, and a slap to the hardworking taxpayers who have to foot the bill to hold such a view of their pockets as something to be picked just because city leadership wants something new.
I think it is a big mistake. Selling a home is nearly impossible in this town. Housing market has been so bad. Just another reason why I do not like living here. City spends money on stupid things like Crape Mrtyle Art and water wheel decor on highways. Every single apartment complex in WF is sec 8 except for one I could think of.. so let’s make it harder to own a home here by all means. Please don’t tell me to move if I don’t like it because trust me, I would if I could. #anustexas