My column two weeks ago expressed a strong reluctance to support the Kyle road bond package that passed on May 11 by a 70/30 margin with about 800 voters turning out.
My reluctance to support the road bond was the waste of previous monies on frills instead of a known problem … the feeder roads to subdivisions which should’ve been first on the “to do” list. Growth up to this time has never supported itself. Look at the most recent case in point being the published figures by the Kyle city finance director who said that the city property taxes, conservatively speaking, could increase about 40 percent – the current tax rate of 52.44 cents per $100 evaluation could be increased by 21 cents. By those figures, those opposing the road bonds were acting responsibly.
In the same issue as my rant about why we should not support it, the editorial supported the bond package, citing the impact of possible future growth. In the most recent Hays Free Press, the bond supporters said there will be little, if any, rise in the property tax because of the relevance of projected growth.
Are we to believe this? If only, if only! Is it too early to say, “Hallelujah! The Altar of Growth Supports Itself is here! The god of fiscal logic is on the planet!”
Let’s all watch to see if this positive growth statement results in more judicious use of city monies, using it for the most necessary needs. Let’s see if, in the future, someone listened and crafted a way for growth to support itself. I wish that some day, my opposition to this road bond would become an issue in which we graciously admit we were mistaken. If there is a small tax increase, let’s see if it goes away and the rate returns to its original level after growth pays for the upgraded roads.
I’m holding my breath.
That’s what I think but I could be wrong, you know.
