A tax on rain

Jacksonville has levied a new fee on it's residents for Garbage Collection and Storm Water. Yes, we're being taxed on rain. Because, well, you know, it rains here. Garbage collection is also a new fee, which in the past was part of our property taxes. According to the City of Jacksonville, not anymore.

Here's the City of Jacksonville's explanation in a nutshell from their website:

When Tallahassee directed local governments statewide to reduce their property tax rates for 2007/08, the City of Jacksonville immediately lost millions of dollars in anticipated operating revenue. The crisis didn't stop there. Jacksonville also faced the inevitable and increasing expenses of operating local government.

Here's my interpretation:

You voted to lower your property taxes, and we lowered them (only because Tallahassee forced us to do it). And we're not creative enough to figure out a way to cut costs and run this city more efficiently. So we hope you're happy with your lower property taxes. Oh, and enjoy your new fees!

As I recall, Mayor Peyton was all about running this city like a business. Well in my business, when profit margins are sagging, we find ways to run more efficiently. That means bidding out business for the best rates, finding creative ways to cut costs, going the extra mile for the customer, and yes, even holding back bonuses and salary increases to the employees. The last thing a business wants to do is stick it to the customer, and consequently lose it's competitive edge.

Mr. Peyton, you are not running this city like a business. And why should you? You CAN stick it to the customer because you have a captive audience.

While the residents of Jacksonville can't necessarily "shop around" for a better city government, they can kick those city officials with a "payback" mentality out of office come next election. That is, if the residents have a long enough memory.

I was sure to include a smart ass comment on my payment stub before dropping it in the mail.