Taxpayers deserve whole truth about tax plans

The Daily Herald recently reported that Dist. 214 is considering spending $852 million for improvements to schools and may increase taxes to pay for the improvements. If they issue 20-year bonds and pay only 3% interest, District 214 taxpayers will be required to pay nearly $280 million in interest bringing the true cost of the bonds to more than $1 billion. If the district raises taxes to pay the bonds, when they are paid off, the district will be able to pocket the money from the permanent tax increase.

It is important that all taxing bodies tell the whole truth when spending, borrowing money or permanently increasing taxes. When you buy a car or a home, the lender is required to tell you the total amount of money you will be required to pay. That same requirement applies to all taxing entities like schools, libraries and municipal governments.

After living in District 214 for 40 years, we moved in 2016 because we were tired of crooks and taxes. I doubt the district has provided all the financial facts to every taxpayer in the district. It's like the old bait and switch.

Children born today will still be paying for those bonds when they are married and have children of their own. Do you really want to put your children and grandchildren in debt the minute they are born or even before they are born?

I urge every citizen to attend school board and local municipal meetings. Every taxpayer has the right to know ALL the facts and should demand the full truth. If you don't, you will deserve what you get. If you don't get involved and vote for candidates who are truthful and respect you and your money, you have no right to complain.

Kenneth Orms

Greensboro, North Carolina