Published: September 03, 2008 12:46 pm         

Taxpayers deceived

Welcome to Fultondale, home of one of the highest sales taxes in the country. With the latest increase in sales tax to a whopping 10 percent, the mayor and council of Fultondale have broken their solemn promise to the tax payers.

When the move to 10 percent sales tax was approved by this same group of city leaders three years ago, they promised it was “temporary” until the new shopping center began to generate revenue. When originally enacted, the provision allowed for gradual reduction to 9.5 percent and then back to 9 percent.

When it was suggested two years ago to keep the 10 percent rate in place for another year to fully fund the city’s needs, the mayor indignantly stated that he had promised the tax payers that the increase was temporary and he would not go back on his word. My how an election cycle and a new term of office has changed that tune!

This mayor and council raised the tax on it’s citizens even as new businesses are on the verge of opening, and that new revenue is sure to dramatically increase the tax base without an increased tax rate. The citizens of Fultondale have certainly gotten the benefits of improved shopping and quality of life as the city has been transformed for the better. In the interest of full disclosure, I have also benefited because I have a business and own commercial property in Fultondale. So I am not opposed to development, and I applaud that part of the job done by this group of leaders.

However, and this is vitally important, the taxpayer’s money is a sacred trust and that trust has been and is currently being abused. When the citizens are not told the truth, then the devil is in the details. The hidden contracts, back room deals, wasted money and abuse of public trust is indeed disappointing, and that is being generous.

Russell Smith

Gardendale