Dear Editor,
I am perplexed as to why the Josephine County commissioners would consider allowing one taxpayer to opt out of paying their taxes for the county library district. If such a precedent is set, what would prevent individuals like my wife and me from requesting to be exempt from taxes for the local school district, especially considering that our children have never attended any schools in Oregon?
A city or county builds its value to residents by providing essential services that citizens need or want, at a price the community can support. If the library is inappropriately or excessively funded, that issue should be addressed, but not by allowing individuals to shirk their financial responsibility to the community. We all share in the cost of the services that help define our community.
Sincerely,
Don Tamm
P.S. I fully support the decision not to rebuild the Caveman pool. The published financials do not justify its construction. Right now, I would prefer that resources be focused on ensuring clean drinking water and a functional sewage system from the new water treatment plant, rather than investing in a pool for summer recreation.