From: Nick Hogan
Columbus
I know I’m not the only one, but I’m writing because I’m upset about the 40 percent tax increase that was approved by Bartholomew County Council last week.
Before you assume I am stingy and rich, let me assure you that I am not. I work hard to support my family and I am a parent of a small child, so the additional money this will cost me will be a burden more than anything.
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not the biggest fan of taxation in general, but I understand certain concessions should be made. That said, the purpose of this tax increase is to pay for additional resources to “combat the opioid crisis.”
Not only do I disagree with increasing taxes in general, but I wholeheartedly disagree with the purpose of this tax, primarily because I believe it will do absolutely nothing to curb the massive drug problem facing our community.
I’m not saying it’s not a good thing to get drug dealers off the streets, or to let addicts detox in prison. Those things are helpful. But if you don’t attack the root of the problem, it will persist and likely grow stronger. As was said at the council meeting prior to the ratification of the increase, addiction and mental health support is much more cost effective and will have a greater impact.
So if no one else will say it, I will: Increasing county taxes will be the biggest burden on those already affected by the opioid crisis. I predict that things will get much, much worse before someone in our county government realizes that this was the wrong approach.
My thanks to those who voted against this increase. I assure you those who voted for it will not be receiving a vote from me anytime soon.
