Pink is in
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ANR
Pink postcards apparently get people’s attention.
The Nebraska Legislature used that premise in adding a new layer to the budget approval process for local taxing entities, and judging by last week’s attendance at the first of its kind joint public hearing there is some merit to that logic.
A room full of 30 or more people attended the hearing, asking questions about their tax bill and urging local administrators with the city of Aurora as well as Aurora and Hampton schools to try and keep taxes down. That’s far more feedback than local boards typically receive, in fact I can count on one hand the number of people I’ve heard offer feedback over the past 35 years.
That’s a problem, frankly. Taxpayers should have a voice in how their tax dollars are being spent, and they should be candid with administrators and board members about those concerns. Why people are not more engaged in the process is puzzling, leading one to the conclusion that folks here typically trust their local elected officials to spend tax money wisely on their behalf. It’s also one thing to gripe about tax increases at the kitchen table or over coffee with friends, and something else entirely to air those views in a public forum.
But that’s what it takes to make a difference. There was passion in the voices of those asking questions about back-to-back valuation increases on their personal property, as well as 5 percent budget increases by the city and Aurora Public Schools. There can be no argument that those numbers deserve explanation and detailed public vetting. The News-Register has written reports in the past few weeks on all of those topics with that goal in mind, yet again some people don’t want to take the time to read and/or engage.
So are pink postcards the in-your-face attention getter required in today’s world? Frankly, the budget notice format required with local newspapers in previous years offered more information, showing a side by side comparison of valuations, tax asking, tax levies and total budgets from one year to the next. If printing that information on a pink postcard as well is what it takes to get people to read it, then that should be included, along with personal information about the impact local budgets will have on your tax bill.
More information on tax-related matters is better, though communication can only occur if people speak up, show up, or otherwise engage in the process. Last week’s joint public hearing sent a message that people are concerned with their rising tax bill, and apparently are A-okay with spending a little extra money to get it in a format they can’t miss.
If that’s what it takes to engage the citizenry in meaningful dialogue about taxes, then it’s money well spent.
Kurt Johnson
