On Monday morning, September 13 at 9am, the Dallas City Council will hold a Budget Briefing to discuss potentially raising the tax rate. Small business owners, homeowners, and all of us who know how to live within our means- we need to make sure our voices are heard so that the tax rates do not increase! There are two things you can do:

• Attend the session: Monday, Sept 13, 9 am at City Hall, Room 6ES
• Email your city councilperson and tell them your personal story about how a tax increase will affect you.

Notes from Mayor Leppert provide some additional perspective:

The tax issue at the City level is coming up fast and furious. Many on the council want to raise the rate, even though we have addressed the major issues and are in much better shape than most all cities in the nation. Unless people rally, I believe the Council will move to increase the rates which both hurts individuals struggling today and our ability to attract businesses which is the right way to build the tax base … keeping in mind the rate in Dallas is one of the highest in the state.

This is an issue that should go to our core … building on the very real concern that taxes of all kinds are strangling the nation at all levels. It would be helpful to have people stand up and voice their opinion. To this point, the Council has heard people wanting to raise taxes … largely from special interests group that are trying to get additional funding for their cause or those that will not have the burden of paying the higher rate.

The elevator speech: Dallas should not raise the tax rate. This is a time for all governments to live within their means … it is your money and not the governments and there are enough burdens on the taxpayer already. The proposed budget meets the City’s basic needs and a tax rate increase is simply not needed or wise at this time. Citizens need to stand up and make their voice heard or the rate will be increased by the Council even though the Mayor and several Council members are strongly opposed to any tax rate increase.

Times are tough. Budgets are tight.

Your family is having to make sacrifices … and so is the city of Dallas.

However, as your mayor, I want to make one point very clear – I am against raising your taxes to fix the city’s budget shortfall.

We must not start the habit of raising your taxes
Why do we have a shortfall? The revenue we usually earn from taxes on sales in stores, restaurants, clubs, etc. has declined dramatically, along with the overall economy. In all, the city earned $57 million less this year than it did last year.

But when your family is earning less, you tighten your belt. You look for ways to get the most out of what you have … and you focus on your priorities.

So should the city of Dallas. Those of us you elected to lead the city should not start getting into the habit of raising your taxes whenever we need to balance the budget. And, I believe families who are already struggling should not have to bear a greater tax burden. Especially when there are other ways to close the gap.

Next year’s budget will maintain some services, increase others
Yes, we have a significant gap. But you will be glad to know that, like you, we’ve been closely examining our budget and looking for ways to better make ends meet.

Cities across the nation are making tough choices. But we have developed a budget for next year that:

• increases the number of police officers on our streets
• invests in our fire and rescue operations
• maintains hours and access to our branch libraries, parks and rec centers
• substantially increases the total dollars to repair and rebuild our streets

Let’s put the taxpayer first
Some citizens would like to see tax-funded services at peak levels. That’s understandable. But most have told us they recognize the economic challenges we all face … and are willing to do with a little less. Especially since the most critical services will still be there for the citizens who depend on them.

As your mayor, I can also tell you it is essential that we keep our tax rates competitive to continue attracting to Dallas new businesses and jobs.

The tax debate before us really comes down to two lines of thinking: one that says taxpayers are there to support city government … and another that says city government is there to support taxpayers.

I believe the wisest course – both now and in the future – is putting you first by holding the line on your taxes. If you agree, we need to hear your voice at City Hall loud and clear.