As I sat in the audience of the Town Council meeting last week, I needed some time to process what was brought up and now I have.

The consideration of an environmental fee, it seems to me would a good place to start to put some much needed revenue in our coffers. Most of the residents in our town will have no problem with $36 a year. That is a lunch for two with no drinks and tip. There are, of course, the minority who are barely making it and have to depend on the Food Bank. I agree with Councilman Brown that we have to start someplace and $400,000 is certainly not chump change. When you live in Paradise, you have to pay…..period. To get all the facts, watch the Council meeting on Channel 11.

The second idea, I agree with Councilman Yates about the wording of the property tax. The Saguaro bond issue that didn’t pass before was because no one, including me, understood it. I served on that committee headed by Bob Thompson and Jerry Miles and it was a joy to work with them and help pass it. I am sure, if asked, they would serve again and we could possibly, just possibly, get it passed. If people start to realize we might have to close parks, they will pay attention.

Frankly, not unlike the American public, not enough Fountain Hills residents are getting this. A committee could get a PR blitz going about how dire the situation is and that closing services is not a threat, but an all too real reality. There is no such thing as “a free lunch” and never will be. The Town needs to find some ways, soon, to increase revenue.