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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Allen" data-source="post: 374702" data-attributes="member: 389">It's because I think we would be delusional to think scrambling of this egg would lead to anything more acceptable than what is already in place, even if we think the status quo is unacceptable.I'm not inclined to think a monthly bill from my rural firefighting dept, the county roads dept, county parks and rec, and local school districts is a better option than just paying my annual property tax bill which lumps this all into one.  Services and goods need to be funded and if we say we are going to switch it to an increase in sales tax, that means we are trying to get someone else to fund our expenses (note the comments on out-of-towners and non-residents).  So let's say this passes and Bismarck needs to up the sales tax to offset the loss of property tax revenues.  All those people who live in New Salem, Sterling, Lincoln, Washburn, etc, etc will still come to shop in Bismarck and they'll be supporting the services of the residents of Bismarck.  Good deal for Bismarckians, not so good for small town and rural ND.  Oh, then let's pillage the Legacy fund or oil taxes paid to the State they say.  Well, that then puts the bill for much of rural and small town ND onto the shoulders of a few, e.g. let someone else pay for my goods and services.  I can't philosophically support any of the above.There is a system in place for the public to weigh in on govt budgets at the local level, people just don't seem to want to use it unless they have a pet project that needs funding.  Let's change that.For example, the town I live closest to, but am not able to vote in, has been hearing a cry from a segment of the population to build a city owned swimming pool for the kids. I have little doubt that they will eventually be able to make it happen if they organize even as Bismarck shutters swimming pools due to a lack of lifeguards and use.  In a nutshell, they are essentially trying to get a govt subsidized pool for their kids, it will be something that goes right on the local government's budget if those who don't want the pool refuse to show up when this comes in front of the elected officials that can make it happen.</blockquote>

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