Our Commissioners are asking for our input on choices for how the Impact Fees will be assessed as though there are no other alternatives for revenue. In 2007 the citizens of Chatham County spoke loud and clear when we voted NOT to impose a Land Transfer Tax. Were you listening?

Commissioner Lucier and I debated in 2006 about the Countywide Moratorium Ordinance and he claimed that we had 30,000 rooftops coming. Where are they? Lucier said that because of the expected rise in population we needed to build schools. Our County Board of Commissioners have had since 2006 to make funding schools a priority. In 2007 this Board brought the Land Transfer Tax to the voters of Chatham. This Board sold the  Land Transfer Tax  as a “teeny tiny tax” that would net a windfall of revenue for schools. Well, as we have seen the housing market crumble, it is a GOOD THING that we are not dependent on a fluctuation real estate market to fund schools. The voters told you to find another way when we defeated the Land Transfer Tax.

Between 2002 and 2007 property tax revenue has increased 19% (adjusted for population growth)! We do not have a revenue problem! We have a spending problem! I will say that I was proud to watch this Board work to save teaching jobs and be creative to rescue the School Budget. Give credit where credit is due. But let’s not stop there!

When this Board imposes a moratorium ordinance and proposes a radical Major Corridor Ordinance, we do not encourage economic development here. How can my middle class family stay here? There are no jobs, businesses don’t want to come. By considering Impact Fees, cobbled together with reimbursements and incentives, I fail to see the creativity in this Budget. Basing our school funding on a fluctuating market is NOT making education a priority.

I have a hard time trusting this Board with my tax dollars when we waste money on an experimental bus line. I am sure that you think you did a good thing by paring down this experiment that was delivered to you as an 18 month program to 6 months, but it’s still a waste of money!

I feel that Impact Fees would be a way to circumvent the voters who plainly told you what we want. Please hear us and do not consider Impact Fees.