Excerpt from: New Mental Health Sales Tax
By Dedrick Allan
By Dedrick Allan
The Mason County Commission has increased the sales tax one-tenth of one percent to help fund services for Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Therapeutic Courts. The action came Tuesday after about two-hours of discussion and testimony.
The Advisory Committee appointed to review these types of services in the County recommended the tax increase saying the funds are not enough to meet the need but they are a start. The funds will help take the burden of helping those who abuse drugs or have a mental illness off the court system and the jail...
Most of those to testify Tuesday during a public hearing on the tax supported the increase. Of the 17 people to testify, only one voiced opposition saying the sales tax increase should go to the voters instead of being enacted by the Commission. Commissioner Tim Sheldon voiced similar concerns while saying he didn’t see input from others in the community such as business owners, law enforcement, the courts or officials with the City of Shelton.
Commissioner Lynda Ring Erickson talked about the need for continuum of care when it comes to these issues and told stories about her experiences with the mentally ill saying that anything that can be done is worth the investment.
And Commissioner Steve Bloomfield also talked about the need for these services, saying that Jerry Lingle was in support of the tax and since he is filling Lingle’s seat, he should follow suit.
The sales tax increase was approved on a 2 to 1 vote. The tax will be implemented at the beginning of the next quarter and will expire in five years. The increase raises the County’s sales tax rate to 8.5% and is expected to generate between $400,000 and $600,000 per year costing a penny on every $10 spent.
Link to complete article:
http://masoncountydailynews.com/news/news-page
SHELTON BLOG NOTE:
Link to previous related post "TAX FOR THE RIGHT REASON":
http://masoncountyprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/10/tax-for-right-reason.html
Finally, the people get to win one- it was like pulling teeth, but Steve Bloomfield stepped up to the plate, and hit a home run his first time at bat. Credit where credit is due.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to our community!!!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to the hard working citizens on the advisory committee!!!
We will ALL benefit in so many different ways from this compassionate progressive action for the less fortunate in our midst.
INDEED, as Tom Davis previously stated, "A small price to pay for a giant step in the right direction."
Good result. I echo Christine's THANK YOU to the citizens of the advisory committee.
ReplyDelete