Need justifies tax hike in Deer Park

The village of Deer Park wants to raise its retail sales tax by a quarter percentage point to pay for long-standing road and drainage problems. The village's 2003 road program has limped along after the bulk of its funding was used for other areas.

Voters defeated a similar proposal two years ago.

Since then, however, the new administration has passed a balanced budget for the first time in years, looked for areas to cut and demonstrated fiscal responsibility. In addition, the board recently committed in a resolution to use the potential funds for roads only.

The tax increase would most affect shoppers at the village's upscale Deer Park Town Center and nearby Promenade.

Since the majority are from out of town, Deer Park residents would reap the benefits with little pain. The increase would put the sales tax at 7.25 percent, keeping it in line with or lower than those in bordering communities.

With the extra $400,000 a year generated, the village could take advantage of today's lower construction costs. The village collects no real estate tax from its 3,100 residents.

The timing is right this time; we urge a “Yes” vote.