Call it whatever you like, it's still a tax increase

To the Editor:

May 07, 2008 01:13 pm

— I am writing this letter in response to letters recently published in the Times-News. I am pleased that somebody recognizes what is not proposed as a tax increase for what it really is.
By the Allegany County commissioners not reducing the constant yield to make up for the increase in assessments from the state of Maryland, we as taxpayers are realizing an increase.
Please, commissioners, do not make it seem to us unknowing constituents that are perceived as not knowing better that an increase is not occurring.
When I submitted a letter to the editor a few weeks back addressing this, I was contacted on Saturday morning at home by one of the commissioners asking why I stated in my letter that Allegany County was raising property taxes and I was deceiving the public.
Just do the math and you will realize that although the rates remain the same, the county commissioners need to reduce the constant yield to avoid passing this on to the citizens.
If this can not be realized, it is time to look at your budget and see what needs reduced to not pass increased taxes onto the public.
Also, please hold meetings regarding tax increases at a time where actual tax paying citizens can attend. Doing so at 11 a.m. on a Thursday will preclude the majority of working taxpayers from attending.
Brian Beal
Frostburg