Published: August 28, 2008 10:06 am      

Letters to the Editor

July 30, 2008 — Editor:

When the Grayson City Council and Mayor first broached the subject of a occupational / payroll tax last year, I had numerous concerns, primarily what were the funds going to be used for and the effect on the employees of local businesses. While the public hearings generally frustrated the public, they only whetted my appetite for answers.

I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to participate in the budget planning process just completed and have a much better understanding of the resources and needs of the City of Grayson. My personal take on the situation:

Revenues:

• The payroll tax added about $500,000 to last years total revenue, which is partially offset by:

• Increasing Homestead exemptions for property taxes ($25,000)

• Removal of City Sticker taxes ($27,000)

• Replacing the dependency on one time grant monies ($150,000)

Expenses:

• Increases were employee related – retirement, health care, and training primarily ($120,000).

• Hiring Hugh McDavid as the Main Street Renaissance Director

• Inflation on items that all businesses must contend with (eg. gasoline, utilities).

• More street, signage, and sidewalk maintenance.

• Refurbishing existing parks and recreation areas ($10,000).

This budget insures that the things that need to get done will get done and not depend on grant money that may or may not be available each year. It ensures that there are funds available for unforeseen expenses or matching grant opportunities that may become available.

In summary, it is clear to me that this Mayor and Council, in spite of their part-time status, are trying to do the things that this city needs, – all the more reason to develop a qualified, well-trained staff. This has already paid off in the forms of grants for the new sidewalks and lights on Main Street, vehicles, and other grant opportunities for future projects (more sidewalks and a building to house the fire department)

Finally, I would encourage every citizen to become involved in at least one aspect of city government where you will:

• Learn the facts, rather than hearsay.

• Be able to offer valuable input to decisions that will be made.

Our city officials need our support, but it also needs to encourage accessibility to develop partnerships in its quest for growth and prosperity.

Don Combs,

Grayson



Editor,

The Grayson Lake Camp Ground needs a swimming pool. The golf course has a lot of nice place to play golf, they need to give up half the land to put a nice swimming pool near the campsite. The beach is nasty and unsafe to swim in.

Mrs. Frances Tilsley

Olive Hill