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Say Yes to Your Local Parks
With times as tough as they have been and the economy still struggling, it is understandable if you are tempted to vote no on any tax proposal that comes your way. Of course, if we all did that for every tax proposal, we would soon find ourselves missing some valuable resources. We need to ignore the urge to just say no and carefully think about each tax issue.
In the upcoming primary election on August 3rd, Oakland County voters will be asked to renew .2145 mills for 10 years, for the Oakland County Parks and Recreation. For a homeowner with a $200,000 home, the annual tax bill would be a bit less than $25. That’s not a lot, yet many would say that there are many small taxes such as this that add up to make their overall tax bill a significant burden.
We understand their concern but think this tax, in particular, is worth the cost. Please consider first, that this is not a new tax request but a renewal of a tax that has been on the books since the park system was created in 1966, some 44 years ago.
Oakland County has, in our opinion, one of the best parks and recreation systems in the country. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to visit the wonderful parks, golf courses, campgrounds, nature centers and water parks, we highly recommend you give them a try. There are currently 13 Oakland County Parks with 68 miles of trails. Future plans call for the expansion of the walking, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and ski trails as well as the acquisition of additional parklands.
The economic downturn of the last two years has caused many to think about what is really important to them. Many people are considering a return to the simpler life of years prior. A recent blog we posted discussed the benefits of the simpler life (“Is Simplicity the Answer?”, May 2010). Consider taking your family to a local park for a picnic instead of spending $20 to $ 30, or more, to take your family to the movie theatre. Or, how about a healthy 5 mile hike in the beautiful outdoors instead of taking the family to the Tigers’ ballgame in Detroit.
Make your support of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation renewal millage your first step towards a return to the simpler life. You’ll find it very rewarding and a real boost to your ever-tightening budget.
In the upcoming primary election on August 3rd, Oakland County voters will be asked to renew .2145 mills for 10 years, for the Oakland County Parks and Recreation. For a homeowner with a $200,000 home, the annual tax bill would be a bit less than $25. That’s not a lot, yet many would say that there are many small taxes such as this that add up to make their overall tax bill a significant burden.
We understand their concern but think this tax, in particular, is worth the cost. Please consider first, that this is not a new tax request but a renewal of a tax that has been on the books since the park system was created in 1966, some 44 years ago.
Oakland County has, in our opinion, one of the best parks and recreation systems in the country. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to visit the wonderful parks, golf courses, campgrounds, nature centers and water parks, we highly recommend you give them a try. There are currently 13 Oakland County Parks with 68 miles of trails. Future plans call for the expansion of the walking, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and ski trails as well as the acquisition of additional parklands.
The economic downturn of the last two years has caused many to think about what is really important to them. Many people are considering a return to the simpler life of years prior. A recent blog we posted discussed the benefits of the simpler life (“Is Simplicity the Answer?”, May 2010). Consider taking your family to a local park for a picnic instead of spending $20 to $ 30, or more, to take your family to the movie theatre. Or, how about a healthy 5 mile hike in the beautiful outdoors instead of taking the family to the Tigers’ ballgame in Detroit.
Make your support of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation renewal millage your first step towards a return to the simpler life. You’ll find it very rewarding and a real boost to your ever-tightening budget.
posted by David C. Patterson and Erin Preston at
2:03 PM
1 Comments:
What a great article, I really couldn't agree more! I don't mind spending a few dollars a year to keep our great parks around. :)
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