How can voters help the county meet its obligations to citizens in these difficult times without raising property taxes? You can vote “Yes” for the quarter-cent Sales and Use Tax which will not apply to groceries or gas. The county’s budget has shrunk over the past two years, but citizens want and deserve quality services.
The Sales and Use Tax could generate up to $2.3 million per year. We have pledged to dedicate funds from the Sales and Use Tax over the next 5 years to economic development, schools, libraries and emergency management.
Providing monies to promote economic development and jobs is an investment which will improve our long-term financial health. Monies for schools will help preserve our quality education system through investment in infrastructure and technology improvements. Increased resources for libraries will move us towards a per capita expenditure equivalent to the state average. Additional resources for emergency services will help us achieve a response time in line with state standards.
Voting “Yes” for the Sales and Use Tax is a vote for our community.
Bernadette Pelissier
Orange County Board of Commissioners
