Furor Over Potential Tax Increase Erupts On Social Media

By Gordon HopkinsNews that Jefferson County taxpayers may see an increase of 3.47 percent has resulted in an online furor. This comes on the heels of still-simmering anger over increased property valuations.County Commissioner Mark Schoenrock took issue with FJN's headline on Wednesday reporting the story, “County Commissioners Anticipate Small Increase to the Levy.” Concerned about this and potential misinformation on social media, Schoenrock explained via email, “The overall levy rate (county, county PWF highway bond and ambulance) was DECREASED by the Jefferson County board from .420675 to .381305 or a DECREASE of 9.4%,” wrote Schoenrock in an email to FJN. “Applying the decreased levy rate to the increased valuation rate resulted in an overall TAX ASKING increase of 3.47% for county, county PWF highway bond and ambulance.”The commissioner pointed out that the county levy alone decreased from .325166 to .298612, a decrease of 8.2 percent. The county valuation increased 13.36 percent.The ambulance district valuation increased 16.21 percent. Despite this decrease, expenses have continued to rise, mostly in the form of inflation and increased wages, forcing the county to spend more for the same services. Commissioner Schoenrock wrote, “It is the responsibility of the county board to ensure sufficient revenue to fund all Jefferson County governmental functions in a cost efficient and prudent manner. An increase of 3.47% is very reasonable given the significant inflationary pressures in increased costs for personnel, insurance, equipment, supplies, parts and services that are required to provide all of the essential county government services that serve Jefferson County citizens.” Commissioners have repeatedly insisted that county budgets are already cut to the bone.On page two is the proposed budget in full as it was presented to county commissioners last week.

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