Some council members have to be reminded from time to time that service to the community does not mean servicing the community for your own benefit. Franchise fees, no matter how it’s phrased, is still a tax increase. It’s only benefits those who can pass it along for someone else to pay. Alliant Energy should not be a taxing authority for the city of Burlington, period.
The use of grants to hire firemen and police officers is a decision made with future consequence. The decision to keep or dismiss personnel upon completion of the grant period is that of the city council. Staffing requirements define the intention of being able to respond to fire and police emergencies, and the ability to pay for these services. Everyone should be aware that police and firemen are the first to respond to incidents and do not prevent incidents from occurring, no matter how many are employed. The city should only hire personnel adequate to perform this function and no more.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Iowa has the 12th highest property tax, and that tax is being paid by people making the 25th lowest wages.
John Willson,
Burlington