With the vote Thursday night against moving money from the much discussed vehicle replacement fund, the Greenville City Council has proven they used questionable judgment when they rushed to raise taxes in May.  Councilperson Kandie Smith was right on target when she motioned to move $1 million from the fund to help with other city needs.

The fund was showing a balance on June 30 of $6.2 million.  If the fund’s purpose is to replace vehicles as needed rather than borrow to replace them, why then is there such a large balance?  This would seem to be a case of taxing today for things you might need tomorrow.  Is that sound judgement?

One councilman was quoted as saying he voted against the motion because there was “no urgent need” for money to be spent elsewhere.

NO URGENT NEED?

Then why were the taxpayers burdened with a 2 cent tax increase?

Perhaps it would be more accurate to say there is no urgent need because this city council is stockpiling money on the backs of the taxpayers.  At a time when families continue to struggle to meet their weekly budgets this council persists in making decisions that makes it more difficult for the taxpayer in favor of making the council’s job easy.

What may be worse is how they decide to spend the additional cash from the tax increase once the money pours into the city’s coffers.  Are there pet projects on the horizon?  Citizens had better take notice of upcoming proposals on how funds are allocated.

The late Mayo Angelou once said “if you don’t like something, change it.  If you can’t change it, change your attitude”.

Perhaps that last phrase should have read “ change your councilperson ”.