Letter to the editor, April 28, 2008

Beware of sales tax hike

I would like to comment on a proposed half cent sales tax increase by the Fire District. First of all, I agree that the Fire District needs added revenue to help them with their dwindling budget, but I also agree with Mr. George Souter that increasing the sales tax is not the way to go. Barstow, along with every other city in the High Desert, is feeling the hardship of the downward plunge of the economy. By adding another half cent to our sales tax, puts Barstow at an added disadvantage against Victorville and other cities in the High Desert.

It is bad enough that the majority of citizens that can afford the higher gas prices go to Victorville to shop at a variety of stores. Lets face it, there's not much of a variety of stores in Barstow. To hurt the ones that are with a raise in the sales tax is a travesty. The Fire District is asking the Barstow City Council to allow them to try and sale this tax increase to the voters come November. This came about after a survey of 350 people conducted by the Fire District and was presented to the Barstow City Council on April 16, 2008. A member of the council questioned the survey and the questions that were asked in it.

One of the commissioners of the Fire District, Commissioner Harris, responded by saying we are not stupid enough to try and rig it, referring to the survey. I just want to remind those that remember, back in the early 1980s the Fire District Commissioners at that time did try to pull the wool over the voters eyes when they tried to put through a property assessment to buy a new fire truck. Their efforts failed three times because of their deception. I am not saying that's the case this time, but voters beware.

I believe that the City Council should look very closely on what they may be allowing to happen if they go along with this. First they may be jeopardizing any future necessary tax increases to help the city when the city may truly need it. This tax will be paid by the consumers in Barstow and yes, by the travelers that pass through it. But it is the residents that will carry the burden. The citizens of Barstow have paid for their Fire District over the years. We built the Fire Department and gave it to the district. It may be time for the Barstow City Council to consider taking over the Fire District and making it a city department. Just consider how much money we can save in administrative fees and maintenance costs by combining the two.

The revenue being requested is for the growth Barstow is experiencing? If that is the case, the revenue should come from the developers and the new construction. It should be tied into development fees, not be passed on to the backs of the existing residents. But if a tax increase is to be considered, it should not be limited to the Fire District. It should also include our Police Department, or public safety in general. That way the City Council has control over the tax payers funds. A job they were elected to do.

Manuel Gilbert Gurule
Barstow