To the editor:
I recently attended an informational meeting held by the Secession Committee to try and better understand and be more informed of how seceding from Caribou would reduce our property taxes. The committee was very eager to inform us that if we do secede that we are entitled to part of Caribou’s assets. However, in their presentation, they neglected to inform us that with assets, come liabilities, which we would also inherit.
The committee felt that “Lyndon” would inherit approximately one-third of the city’s assets, therefore, if we inherit one-third of assets, we would inherit the same ratio of their debt. We would also have to cover the cost of the personal and property tax liens that would be in this jurisdiction. If we use the same ratio (one-third) we would inherit approximately $323,000 of Caribou’s debt of $938,760 and approximately $92,500 of $278,043, for 2013 property tax liens. I realize that the tax liens at this time are an unknown for the urban area, so I just used the same ratio as the committee was using.
With that said, the newly formed “Lyndon” would begin with over a $400,000 debt. Is seceding the thing to do? Maybe … maybe not.
With the new city administration and council I think we can have a better working relationship and we all need to get involved with the budget process, going in with a positive attitude and open mind. I’m just as guilty as my neighbors, I do not get involved with the budget process. That being said, you will see me at the next budget meeting.
At the end of the day, we are all in it for the same results — to have a prosperous, affordable, and safe community. Let’s all work together.
Diane Gove
Caribou
