The article on the recent improvements in the Town’s economic status was encouraging to note but certainly not enough to eliminate the Town’s need for a sustainable revenue source.

The fact that we do not have funds to overhaul the pumping system and install sufficient aeration equipment in Fountain Lake to eliminate the odor and high salinity issues is just one, albeit a major one.

The fact that the lake water is not aerated or circulated properly is the cause, we could eliminate every water softener in town and that will not improve the condition we face in the lake but we lack the funds to do so. The rusting of the benches is collateral damage, which adds to the need for more funds and is representative of the type of thing putting off maintenance and repairs creates.

Our streets and boulevards are an even greater problem. Some say we can take care of it with bonds as needed, just as we did with Saguaro. I hasten to point out that each bond issue requires an election, or two, to get passed and the cost of the bonds is an unknown factor. We are also limited in how much bonding indebtedness is allowed, a number based on the assessed valuation of the Town.

We need to make sure there is an adequate reserve in this area in case of an emergency or a major community project like a performing arts center or a community swimming pool, for example.

I urge the community and the Town Council to hammer out a sensible and affordable property tax scenario which would provide the revenue stream and not break the bank. Fifteen other towns and cities in Maricopa County have done so.