Message Preview
From: Your Name <you@example.com>
To: gwbsanfordctr@cableone.net kjames@sioux-city.org mark@mudflap.com jasmith435@cableone.net dlwalish@msn.com
Subject: No tax increase on the citizens of Woodbury County.
Your Personal Statement
Woodbury County Board of Supervisors
620 Douglas Street
Sioux City, IA 51101
Dear Board Members:
I am a concerned citizen of Woodbury County and I oppose the projected tax increases currently under consideration. As a taxpayer that will be affected by higher taxes, we are generally not seeing increased wages; in fact, we are facing wage freezes, fewer hours and some are losing their jobs. I am aware that county employees provide important services and their work should not be taken for granted. In this current economic climate, the county's revenues are flat and its employees are seeking higher wages. The situation leaves only three options for the board of supervisors to choose from: wage and tax increases; wage freezes and flat taxes; or wage increases and job losses. The board faces the arduous task of trying to balance the budget when expenditures are outpacing revenues. We, as the taxpayers, understand this challenge as we are also trying to balance our families' budgets with smaller paychecks.
The taxpayers are aware of the hardships created by job losses which are currently evident in this economy and I would prefer that no one lose their job. I would like to encourage the board of supervisors to promote a one-year wage freeze with the contracted and non-contracted employees. I feel that this will help keep the expenditures from growing within the county's budget and allow employees to keep their jobs without a tax increase. An agreement such as this is a win for the taxpayer and for the county.
Some employee contracts have been signed and others are in negotiations. The current AFSCME contract is in its third year of a five-year agreement. The contract terms dictate an automatic 3% increase in wages. This contract should be reopened and renegotiated to include a one year wage freeze. The current negotiations taking place should include one year wage freezes as well.
I understand that settling these contracts with wage freezes may not happen. Wages and benefits-which make up over 80% of the county's budget-will more than likely increase. The board is left with two choices: raise taxes or reduce staff. Private sector businesses and employees are already struggling. Taxing them more for the sake of county workers' paychecks is a burden to the county citizens at this time. I would like to reiterate that I oppose the projected tax increases currently under consideration by the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Organization
123 Your St.
Yousville, YO 12345
Phone: (123)456-7890
Fax: (123)456-7890x123
--
Delivered by CitizenSpeak!
Report abuse to abuse@citizenspeak.org [1915]
To: gwbsanfordctr@cableone.net kjames@sioux-city.org mark@mudflap.com jasmith435@cableone.net dlwalish@msn.com
Subject: No tax increase on the citizens of Woodbury County.
Your Personal Statement
Woodbury County Board of Supervisors
620 Douglas Street
Sioux City, IA 51101
Dear Board Members:
I am a concerned citizen of Woodbury County and I oppose the projected tax increases currently under consideration. As a taxpayer that will be affected by higher taxes, we are generally not seeing increased wages; in fact, we are facing wage freezes, fewer hours and some are losing their jobs. I am aware that county employees provide important services and their work should not be taken for granted. In this current economic climate, the county's revenues are flat and its employees are seeking higher wages. The situation leaves only three options for the board of supervisors to choose from: wage and tax increases; wage freezes and flat taxes; or wage increases and job losses. The board faces the arduous task of trying to balance the budget when expenditures are outpacing revenues. We, as the taxpayers, understand this challenge as we are also trying to balance our families' budgets with smaller paychecks.
The taxpayers are aware of the hardships created by job losses which are currently evident in this economy and I would prefer that no one lose their job. I would like to encourage the board of supervisors to promote a one-year wage freeze with the contracted and non-contracted employees. I feel that this will help keep the expenditures from growing within the county's budget and allow employees to keep their jobs without a tax increase. An agreement such as this is a win for the taxpayer and for the county.
Some employee contracts have been signed and others are in negotiations. The current AFSCME contract is in its third year of a five-year agreement. The contract terms dictate an automatic 3% increase in wages. This contract should be reopened and renegotiated to include a one year wage freeze. The current negotiations taking place should include one year wage freezes as well.
I understand that settling these contracts with wage freezes may not happen. Wages and benefits-which make up over 80% of the county's budget-will more than likely increase. The board is left with two choices: raise taxes or reduce staff. Private sector businesses and employees are already struggling. Taxing them more for the sake of county workers' paychecks is a burden to the county citizens at this time. I would like to reiterate that I oppose the projected tax increases currently under consideration by the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Organization
123 Your St.
Yousville, YO 12345
Phone: (123)456-7890
Fax: (123)456-7890x123
--
Delivered by CitizenSpeak!
Report abuse to abuse@citizenspeak.org [1915]
