Back on Dec. 14, the people of Gore were asked to decide whether or not to keep paying the extra one-cent sales tax which was approved by the voters in 1989 (Ordinance 01-05-02-89). The purpose of the ordinance was for improvements to the municipal water supply, storage, treatment and distribution facilities, and the sanitary sewer system of the town.
The question put to the people in December 2004 was whether to keep paying that one-cent tax to fund a senior citizen's center "and other indebtedness" or not. One person wrote in lambasting the voters for letting down the senior citizens. I for one did not approve the continuation of the tax because of the loophole "other indebtedness."
This extra cent has not been dropped. I asked a city hall employee when this tax would drop off and was told, "There is a tax commission board that has to meet and approve the tax reduction." This did not sound right. Why would there be a "board" that could override the voice of the people?
My next step was to contact the Oklahoma Tax Commission, who told me there is no "board." He then called City Hall and was advised there was a city ordinance that allows them to keep collecting the penny. Why did we vote?
According to Ordinance 01-05-02-89, Section 9, the one-cent tax was to be in effect until the original indebtedness mentioned above was retired or for a period of 40 years or until the voters repealed it by a vote, whichever event is first to occur. I understand the indebtedness was paid off at least two years ago, and then in December 2004, the voters said no.
It would appear then that two of the three conditions have been met, when only one was required. Perhaps someone at Gore City Hall should look up the definitions of honesty and integrity. Perhaps the voters of Gore should write to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Perhaps the person who came down on those naughty people who turned down the senior citizens in December should have a reality check regarding the extra pennies Gore is getting every time a senior citizen shops in Gore.
Carol Heath
Gore
