Tom Hell, St. Joseph
Jen Warnet, writes in the opinion column of last Friday’s St. Joseph Newsleader… In her comments and quotes she asserts…”Although there have been multiple public conversations regarding the half-cent sales tax, there’ve been comments that community members don’t support the proposed waterpark because they believe their taxes will rise or a levy will be imposed.
“In the quest to bring a waterpark to St. Joseph, property taxes won’t be raised to support it, there won’t be a levy imposed and the dollars won’t come out of the ‘city’s existing budget.'”
She is correct in her assumption, that I for one, believe the investment in this “endeavor” does indeed fall on the citizens of St. Joseph. First, which is undeniable, it takes away monies that could be used for other projects. Most importantly, should this “endeavor” not pay for itself, which it likely won’t, the ongoing investments, initial purchase and its operation would indeed fall on the taxpayers of St. Joseph.
There is a need to clarify Ms. Warnet’s statements. As it’s portrayed as the “truth” in her article. I trust the St. Joseph City Council, the Mayor and the City Administrator will “set the record straight and be transparent about this project.” I would suggest one or all of the council members craft a response and publish it in the St. Joseph Newsleader, as that is where the erroneous article was printed and every St. Joseph taxpayer gets one.
