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Everybody is against raising taxes. Heck, for the past 10 years our state legislature and governors have actually cut taxes for the privileged corporations. But that “no new tax” mentality has resulted in under-funded schools, deteriorating roads and lack of economic opportunities for people who need jobs.
The City of Phoenix recently raised their property taxes for the first time in years. All municipalities around the state are facing these issues. And it’s come home to roost right here in Kearny, where the Town Council will be meeting on Thursday night, July 28 at 6 p.m. in Town Hall to consider a modest increase in our property taxes.
A home valued at $100,000 will pay an additional $8.94 per month.
I urge all residents to come out to this meeting and provide support for this unavoidable but vital tax increase. Here’s why:
Kearny was incorporated in the late 1950s, long after Congress, the state, the mines, ranchers and the Indians ratified their 1930s water distribution agreement. We have very limited water rights. This is going to be an issue of survival that the Mayor, Town Manager and Town Council will be working on for a long time. The town needs the financial support of a tax increase to keep this effort moving forward.
Kearny was built in the 1960s. Most of our Mid-Century concrete block homes are similar to those in older parts of Tempe. Compared with all the other towns in the Copper Corridor, our houses are the newest, the most energy efficient, and require less maintenance. Kearny houses are a real value.
The Town’s infrastructure of water pipes, roads and electrical services had a 50-year life expectancy in 1965. We’re now “out of warranty” and a lot of aging infrastructure needs rebuilding or replacing. This requires a tax hike.
The final point is this: do you believe that life here in Kearny is worth paying a little extra for?
Every time I drive home from the Valley and start coming downhill over “The Divide” on State Route 177, my blood pressure goes downhill too. As I view Battle Axe coming around the turn I am reminded just how beautiful and uncrowded it is here. We know our neighbors. Personal news is exchanged at the Post Office, at Norm’s Hometown Grocery or Old Time Pizza. Buzzy’s, The West End Café, Big D’s and the Cantina are one-of-a-kind places. Our school sports and Little League are outstanding. We love the band! Steak Fry events at the General Kearny Inn revive the real True West of good neighbors, cowboys and cookouts under an open sky.
The quality of life in Kearny is absolutely worth paying a little extra for.
Please come out and provide support for the Town’s proposed property tax increase.
Thanks.
/s/ Gerry Kaufhold
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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