Richard Kolb, Jefferson City
Dear Editor,
It is misleading to refer to the JC Schools proposed bond issue as a "zero-tax-increase bond issue."
Unfortunately, this terminology reinforces the perception so many seem to have that governmental units can produce benefits to the populace without any cost so why not just spend money willy-nilly? The truth of the matter is that our taxes will have to pay for this bond issue.
In the first year or so after it is enacted, there may be previous bond issues that are being paid off which would result in a decrease in our taxes if no new bond issues (such as the currently proposed one) take their place. However, if this passes, the payments for this bond issue will replace any relief the taxpayers would have received without passage of this proposal.
What really matters to the taxpayers' pocketbooks is the amount of total taxes paid over future years which will be higher if this bond issue passes versus the total taxes they will have to pay if it doesn't pass.