HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.238 2008-2010Hawaii County Council Members & Honorable Mayor Kenoi
RE: Testimony on the Mayor's Proposed Budget
June 7"', 2010,
Regrettably, I am not able to be here today and testify in person due to other commitments. I did
however wish to provide my testimony in writing for the Council's consideration.
I am in strong SUPPORT of the Mayor's proposed budget.
I feel that this administration has demonstrated valid efforts to cut back on expenses for this County
with an overall decrease in the work force, furlough days /pay , etc. Because I see the cuts in
spending... it allows me to support this Budget, even with the proposed increase in real property taxes.
As a long time Hilo resident, I am certainly not happy about the prospect of real property taxes rising. I
will be specifically affected with higher taxes on any of my investment properties- properties that I have
worked hard to acquire and now, hold onto. However, despite my personal case, I can clearly see the
need for the County to generate more revenue. I anticipate that assessed values will be dropping for at
least another couple years ( a self balancing system with regards to any tax rate increase). 1 also believe
that our economy will continue to suffer through the rest of this current economic downturn... and will
then move into a hopeful but slow recovery. Our County government will need this revenue source in
order to maintain services and support.
I am self employed and I work hard to earn my living that 1 love here in Hilo. I am in the real estate
industry myself, both as a professional as well as an investor and owner. Accepting any increase in
property tax is hard for me to swallow. I do so now only because I can see the on -going efforts made to
cut back on government spending , specifically in the workforce area, and the pure economic need to
create additional revenue in the difficult years to come.
Having said that, l respectfully ask for further commitment by the Mayor and this entire administration
of the following:
1)To please continue to decrease the size of government and increase the efficiency ( yes, this can be
donee)
2) To continue to evaluate the specifics of our Real Property Tax system and to further balance some
remaining inequities so that the burden is spread evenly. For instance, perhaps a re- evaluation of some
of the protected Agriculture class and tax rates might also be raised as well given that these are so
incredibly low.
I thank you for the opportunity to share my opinion.
Aloha,
Christine Ma a eo
Comae too, - 7(1. 2-38
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