HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-02-18 Public Comment - S. Day - City Sales TaxFrom:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Sunday, December 02, 2018 5:54:42 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:12/02/2018 5:54 PM
Response #:157
Submitter ID:14413
IP address:172.24.96.111
Time to complete:11 min. , 9 sec.
Survey Details
Page 1
Public comment may be submitted via the form below, or by any of the following options.
Public comment may also be given at any public meeting.
Email:
agenda@bozeman.net
Mail to:
Attn: City Commission
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
In-person delivery to:
Attn: City Commission
City Clerk's Office
City Hall, Suite 202
121 N. Rouse Ave.
Bozeman, MT
First Name Sarah
Last Name Day
Email Address sarahwdaycpa@gmail.com
Phone Number 406-580-9066
Comments
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners:
I am writing to you today to express my concern over recent talks of implementing a local sales tax. As a
Bozeman native, MSU graduate, Certified Public Accountant, Licensed Real Estate Agent and community
supporter, this is an issue that I take very seriously.
I understand one argument in favor of a sales tax is that tourists should pay for some of the costs of
maintenance and emergencies services, as they use these amenities when visiting the area. However, I
believe any benefit from a revenue increase is short sighted and does not put Bozeman residents first.
While tourists would be “paying” their portion of costs, Bozeman residents would be paying more for these
costs than they already are. More concerning is the fact that sales tax affects residents disproportionately,
negatively impacting lower income families much more significantly than families with more means. As
living expenses increase, many local families are already struggling. A sales tax will only make the cost of
living higher for residents. In addition, it will push residents to find less expensive alternatives by shopping
online – potentially taking customers away from local businesses.
The article in the Chronicle today stated that a sales tax would “lower the tax burden on property owners
and keep Bozeman affordable.” Property taxes are not what is currently making Bozeman “unaffordable”.
The influx of new families moving to Bozeman is what I believe is helping maintain high home prices in
Bozeman and its surrounding areas, making Bozeman housing “unaffordable” to the average resident. I do
not believe that a sales tax and possible lower property taxes would make Bozeman a more affordable
place to live; in fact, I believe it would do just the opposite.
I understand that tourism is a large part of our state’s economy and implementing a sales tax seems like an
easy way to increase annual revenue. However, I feel very strongly that our residents should be considered
first and foremost in any decision around this issue. Tourists come and go, but Bozeman residents are here
all year long and you were elected to represent them. Please consider what is best for them and don’t
support implementing a local sales tax in. Instead, consider alternatives to increasing revenue such as
increasing taxes on items more specific to tourism - perhaps focusing on increasing the lodging tax for
example.
Thank you for your time and consideration. And thank you for putting Bozeman residents first and voting
AGAINST including Resolution #2018-11 in the 2019 Legislative Agenda for the City of Bozeman.
Sincerely,
Sarah Day
Thank you,
City Of Bozeman
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