×

Readers’ Views

No more community center, no more special Tax

To the Editor:

The recent decision by the Fairmont City Council to scrap plans for a community center is, at best, short-sighted. The city council cites “big expenses” coming up in the city’s future. Were these expenses not considered when they committed to the community center in the first place? There will ALWAYS be big expenditures. So much of FACC’s efforts were completed because they believed that the city stood solidly behind them. The city’s inability to appropriately plan for long-term budgeting and expenditures, prior to committing to a large project like the community center, is nothing but short-sighted. In 2016-2017 the voters in Fairmont passed a special-purpose tax to fund recreational amenities in Fairmont. The vote for the special-purpose tax garnered 61 percent approval, carrying a majority in every ward. With the community center now scrapped, 1/3 of the specified need for this money is gone. The voters approved this tax for specified purposes. Those purposes don’t include a wastewater treatment plant. Nor does it include funding for a new courthouse/jail. While the “big expenses” cited by council are legitimate concerns, the funds must come from somewhere else. Additionally, the tax should be repealed if it’s intended purpose no longer exists. While the city can still utilize the funds for walking paths and other “amenities,” the need for a special tax to fund those things is nullified. How will the city use the funds collected so far?

A recent letter to the editor cited decreasing populations in surrounding communities and asked “Why is that?” Easy. You need to give people a reason to come here. It’s not just about getting a new neighbor, or making your community young and vibrant. It’s about recruiting new people to this community to fulfill our basic community needs. Unfortunately, professionals aren’t kicking-in the door to move to Fairmont. Try convincing a doctor, fresh out of medical school, to move here. Or a police officer, lawyer, or accountant. I can assure you that it’s not as easy as you assume it to be.

A large number of people, many of whom are our neighbors and friends, spent years of time and effort arranging for private donors and other necessities to make the project a reality. To say they did a lot of work is an understatement. The only mistake FACC made was believing the City was behind them. The city council has just thrown all of their efforts in the trash. It’s clear that there is absolutely no incentive for any group of citizens to work on their own to improve the community. If they do, the city will work to subvert them. Additionally, any future requests for additional taxes that are for a “special purpose” (regardless of the alleged purpose) should be met by the voters with extreme suspicion and scrutiny.

Cameron Kamlitz

Welcome

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.65/week.

Subscribe Today