Watch your property tax pocket

July 26, 2016

Washington, Iowa

To the Editor:

The bond referendum for a new YMCA building will get our ?No? vote on Aug. 2 because we believe in choosing where our donations go.

City government developed because collectively citizens realized the need for putting their dollars together to provide for all. They are called public services because they are available to all. These services come with a price tag called property taxes.

Those property taxes must cover a multitude of services: streets, water, sewer, lighting, firemen, police, parks, library, city employees, etc.

We would like to have all of those needs met for everyone before property taxes are used for a new YMCA building, a private nonprofit picked for a chance at a $3 million windfall. That windfall in the form of a passed bond issue would come from cash plucked out of your property tax pocket ? for the next 20 years.

Our guess is there are very few nonprofits in our community who have a $3 million endowment like the YMCA. Other local nonprofits have not asked for your property tax. Shouldn?t you be allowed to decide which nonprofits receive your donations instead of being forced to donate through your property tax pocket?

By voting No on Aug. 2 on the bond referendum you will be deciding where your donations for the next 20 years should go.

If you want a new YMCA building at Washington?s west border, then make a donation of your chosen amount to that private nonprofit group. Or donate to your other favorite charity.

Karen and Jim Gorham