The compromise passed after my internet returned just before to 10 was on a motion by Brian Sager to levy the 2.9% CPI, plus new growth. (Sager did not vote for his motion, favoring even higher taxes.)
This was a backing down from the recommendation of the Finance Committee and County Administrator Peter Austin from a 6% increase under the so-called “lookback” approach.
Here’s the 9-8 vote:
10 PM vote on hiking taxes by the CPI, plus new growth.
Voting in favor of taking what I would be characterizing “taxing to the max” with respect to all other local governments, including schools, were the following:
- Joe Gottemoeller
- Terry Greeno
- Carl Kamienski
- Deena Krieger
- Mike Shorten
- Larry Smith
- Patrick Sullivan
- Paul Thomas
In opposition were most of the Board members who supported even higher taxes:
- Carolyn Campbell (D)
- John Collins (D)
- Eric Hendricks
- Jim Kearns
- Matt Kunkle
- Brian Sager
- Mike Skala
- Gloria Van Hof (D)
The names of those up for reelection are i boldface type.
I am sure Democrats did not plan this final rollcall, but it certainly will be used in next fall’s campaign to their advantage and to the disadvantage of those Republicans who voted in favor.
The really high tax County Board members vote “Yes” at 9 PM:
Gottemoeller, Greeno Shorten, Smith, Republicans up for re-election, most of whom are low tax supporters, now have on their record have voted to raise taxes.
I am certain that the final vote was not arranged by the Democrats to have them all voting “No,” but what an election message to spread next fall.
The really high tax members voted earlier on the same resolution so they could vote in favor of the higher cost lookback levy:
9 PM vote on raising taxes by the CPI, plus new growth.
