Until March 7, East Grand Forks residents are being asked to vote on a 1 percent sales tax for a period of five years for swimming pool renovation.
No hearing is scheduled, despite the significant financial commitment. People received notice of this process by mail, and no amount to be raised was stated in the materials provided. The ballot will be "mail-in" only.
I will vote a resounding "NO."
First, there should have been a hearing.
Second, we should be told the exact dollar amount sought.
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Third, such a tax will discourage shopping and dining in East Grand Forks. No exceptions were set forth for food or clothing; presumably they, too, will be taxed.
Fourth, this is the wrong time to set up a five-year tax for any non-essential service or facility. I have lived in this city since 1989 and have never used this pool. And considering the issues with such facilities in Europe now and the immigration we anticipate, this might not even be a safe place for children in another five years. We have no public duty to provide swimming facilities.
Fifth, we are going to see a sharp increase in electricity and heating costs within the next five years. We can't afford another tax.
Those who want to use this pool should raise the money through user fees or some other voluntary means. Leave the taxpayers alone.
Sally Morris
East Grand Forks
