Without a town property tax, we just got through seven years of the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The town council and manager had to keep the budget mean, lean and efficient. They laid off 81 people. What were they doing?

I am not the only person who saw no difference in the town’s priorities and necessaries. All our parks and buildings were well taken care of. They even closed the Town Hall on Fridays. I guess they can do all the work in four-day weeks.

Council members have already said 50 percent of our budget goes to public safety costs. So why not a public safety tax instead of a town property tax? I am sure we will now hear they can impose only the tax they want. I would ask them to find a way to make sure at least 25 percent of the new money in the general fund be spent on our roads every year.

There is no talk about the increase in tax dollars from sources like the 300 new rooms at CopperWynd, the 400 apartments, and two blocks of new stores, or from state revenue sharing that will increase as people move into the new homes and apartments.

Here is a list of other revenues in the FY16-17 proposed budget, for a total of $2,354,896: Franchise fees, liquor license, business license, animal license, building permits, sign permits, planning/zoning, landscape permits, encroachment permits, variances, subdivision fees, special events permit, engineering fees, plan review, inspection fees, alcohol permits, rental fees, non-taxable rental, cell tower lease, fire insurance tax, program fees, sponsorships, reimbursements/refunds, auction/recycle proceeds, restitution/ins proceeds, miscellaneous revenues, court fines/fees interest income, internal service charges, and transfers in.

Mesa and Gilbert do not have a town property tax. One laid off 300!