TRIM rate seen as tax increase
To the editor:
Regarding FMB Fire Commissioner Carol Morris’s statement about raising the TRIM rate “not being an attempt to raise taxes”, I beg to differ.
If raising the millage rate from 2.58 to 2.69 is not a “tax increase”, then what is it? Aren’t millages taxes?
I was always under the impression that if our property “values” go down, then our property “taxes” should go down. Of course, the Fort Myers Beach Fire District would like to keep the same revenue year after year.
Who wouldn’t? If I sold my house right now, would I have the same “revenue” as three years ago? Of course not. As prices have risen, have my social security checks increased to keep the same spending power? No.
I’ve made adjustments just like most others in our society. Why should our taxing authorities be exempt form those downward adjustments?
In light of our current economic times, I am vehemently against any form of tax increase. And, I say to you folks, this “is” a tax increase. If and when our property values rise again, our taxing authorities will automatically have more revenue.
Until then, they should have to make those painful cuts just like the rest of us.
Ron Little
Fort Myers Beach