Why do I support the proposed 1 cent sales tax increase? EASY! This sales tax increase will fund a major backlog that the Town of Bayfield has in street maintenance and stormwater drainage. I want to see MY TOWN in the best shape that it can be. The sales tax is the fairest way to distribute the cost. Not just those of us who live within city limits will pay the sales tax, but all who shop, visit, dine and use the streets in Bayfield.
As of 2015, the street maintenance backlog is down to $1.3 million ( it was $2.3 million). The Town of Bayfield has made a HUGE effort to reduce the street maintenance backlog by utilizing a portion of money received from CDOT and savings from the receipt of grants. In 2014, the Town of Bayfield completed a stormwater plan. The plan identified a $1.7 million backlog.
Please keep in mind the consequences of NOT approving the tax (if you are a Town of Bayfield resident) include: property tax increase, electric franchise fees, increase natural gas franchise fees, increase parks and recreation participant fees, increase facility rental fees, and stormwater enterprise fees. I do not want to see increases to my bills and additional costs, do you?
What other choices does the town have? They have been asking that question to residents for years. The conclusion is that there is not another way. Either the tax is passed or new fees will have to be assessed. The additional sources of revenue will not cover the funds needed and the town will see a reduction in services and deferred maintenance. I would hate to see the town lose employees and the streets deteriorate.
Approving the 1-cent sales tax increase now will save us money in the future. According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, every $1 spent to keep a road in good condition avoids $6 to $10 needed later to rebuild the same road once it has deteriorated. The backlog will continue to grow if we don't do something about it now!
Vote yes on Town of Bayfield Question 2D!
Kristin Dallison
Bayfield
