Proposal doesn't make sense for 'we the people'

The city of Sandpoint is preparing to force another vote for another tax on its residents. This time it’s an expansion of the water treatment plant in order to use lake water for the hugely anticipated increase in Sandpoint’s population (like they’re moving out not in – no work). The overall cost is estimated to be only $20.5 million with maybe 30 percent being picked up through the “spendulous” package, Obama bucks, with the rest being paid for by us. It is estimated that we would see our water bills increase 25-30 percent for the next 30 years. This increase is couched as “user fees” yet it really is a tax.

Let’s say my water bill averages $30 a month, $360 per year, with a 30-percent increase my monthly bill will be $39 per month, $468 per year. But wait, this will be paid for over the next 30 years so if I live that long this tax will amount to $14,040. Now this does not include the “annual” fee increases to cover wage increases and all the other “gotta” haves we’re so use to. Of course this could rise substantially if the city don’t get the Obama bucks.

It appears that “we the people” have been reduced to “them the dummies” and the politicians and department heads can do whatever they want no matter what the circumstances are. Ya gotta ask yourself, who’s in charge around here, the department heads or those “we the people” elected. I gotta vote “no” at this time.

THOMAS F. DICKSON

Sandpoint