Taxpayer beware: Sales tax increase to preserve open spaces may not be all it seems

Open space concerns

It appears that the county is planning to avoid the consequences of a property tax increase by putting another sales tax increase on the ballot. Preserving open spaces is the stated goal. Open spaces and density can always be controlled by existing zoning laws.

Conservation easements are another tactic used often, sold as preserving open spaces.

On the face of it, it appears to be wonderful for the public. And on rare occasions like the Ace Basin, it is good for everyone; however, some sides of the subject are never disclosed:

– Landowners retain ownership, not taxpayers.

– Landowners can continue farming, timber, hunting, as usual.

– Often there is no public access involved.

– No parks or recreation are guaranteed.

– Sometimes taxpayers wind up also paying for roads and infrastructure.

– Tourists are said to pay part of the taxes, but no one really knows how much. That is a shiny object distracting from the effects on residents.

– Lastly, sales taxes hurt low income residents more than others because it takes a bigger percentage of their income.

What’s next? Another local sales tax increase to improve roads that the state and federal government are responsible for maintaining?

They cannot be serious.

Jerry Floyd, St. Helena Island

‘Despicable’

Any rape at any time is most despicable.

To consider forcing a 10-year-old elementary school child to carry a rapist pregnancy to term is just as despicable.

Calvin Jordan, Beaufort

Thank you

Meals on Wheels, Bluffton-Hilton Head, extends a sincere thank you to The Church Mouse for a recent grant that will support providing meals to more than 130 clients who are homebound. Five days a week, nutritious hot meals are delivered in time for lunch by more than 200 volunteers.

The need is great and we so appreciate these funds that will help support the growing need we are seeing.

We depend on local donations to operate.

Lili Coleman, Hilton Head

High school finances

South Carolina lawmakers have passed a provision in the state budget that will require a high school half-credit personal finance course for graduation.

The S.C. Dept. of Education will be tasked with developing the curriculum.

The course will allow students to improve their financial literacy. It is also an opportunity to become knowledgeable about how financial systems are privileged for some and marginalized for others.

We have an opportunity to increase social reform for future community leaders by including political, gender and social constructs in relation to financial systems.

Heather Hall, Charleston