The mayor’s response to City Council’s decision not accept the firefighters’ union agreement was disappointing. City Council was just looking out for the taxpayers of Jamestown. The comments were not fair to city council and not fair to the taxpayers of Jamestown who don’t want anymore taxes now or in the future. I thought all of our elected officials, together were suppose to do what’s best for the taxpayers.

Guess I was wrong.

My taxes have increased 53% from 2010 to 2021. My utilities during that same period have increased almost 30%. The average rate of inflation for that same period was around 2 cents on a dollar or 2%. But the tax increases kept coming. I mention that because of the monotone that I have heard about cost of living increases for more than 20 years when inflation has been almost non existent. And now with inflation the highest it has been in 40 years you are attempting to tug on our pockets again for some money.

Intimidating City Council members when you know they are very concerned about public safety, life-saving medical care, our firefighters and of course our police department is not bipartisan. It pollutes the working environment. City Council’s position was about reckless spending and the ever increasing tax burden placed on our residents. Where do you draw the line?

Anyone who knows me understands my reverence for our firefighters, law enforcement and employees of Jamestown. Everyone wants more money including myself. It’s not about what other cities pay. It’s a question of economics and what residents of this community can afford to pay. We have a decreasing tax base which doesn’t help matters.

We have a right to know when a spending decision is made if there are tax consequences. We have a right to know how much of an increase will we have to pay. We have a right to know when the tax increase will take effect. We have the right to know when it will stop. And most important we have a right to vote on the increase.

With a spending budget of $100,000.00/day every line item should be visited by someone who is impartial and bipartisan before a decision is made to tax us again. We also have a right to know if that has been done and what positive changes have been made. Possibly you could solicit suggestions from taxpayers.

Kudos to City Council members for standing up for us. Shame on community members for not speaking up and supporting City Council. Pusillanimity is not the answer anymore. If you do nothing eventually the chickens will come home to roost. You will be taxed and left with little for you and your family.

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Jamestown is around $34,000. A family of four would have to earn about $75,800. Do you earn that much?

Things are getting serious. Salaries and benefits represent about 80% of our total budget. Call your council members and give them your support. Call the Mayor’s office and voice your concern.

I have been paying taxes in Jamestown for about 50 years. I cannot think of the times I benefited from the tax increases other than the status quo. But, I sure remember the services that were taken away.

Bruce Piatz is a Jamestown resident.