Recently voters approved a property tax increase for local schools. Now the town council seeks voter approval to levy a $7 million annual property tax. This means an additional $1,000 annual cost to my wife and I.

Proponents contend nonresident property owners will also pay, a savings for full-time residents. Nonresident owners already pay extra. Fountain Hills needs to remember it doesn’t have a monopoly on scenery. Levying unnecessary taxes on nonresidents encourages them and their money to leave; then watch property values plummet and business dry up.

Renters also will pay, because landlords will pass the cost along; so will businesses, and costs of goods and services will increase. Everyone gets tagged multiple times.

Notice how many Fountain Hills homes are attractive outside but a bit shabby inside. We have a lot of retirees on fixed incomes. More taxes mean more cutback in personal spending, a further deterioration of our community.

There is ample evidence that Fountain Hills can, with proper oversight, live within its income. Existing income sources appear to be increasing to meet expenses. Much of the present budget pressure is self-inflicted. Do we really want to reward fiscal irresponsibility with a license to spend more?

Imagine how many more surveys the council could underwrite besides the $40,000 lagoon study or the $90,000 sign survey, which doesn’t provide a single sign. It’s common sense. Please vote no.