FREE Police Protection in Jacksonville?
Yes, that’s correct. How? Just don’t eat out.
Starting this week, a petition will be put before the residents of Jacksonville in support of an initiative to place a tax on restaurants to pay for the town’s police protection.
The residents who say they already do not, or will not if the tax passes, patronize the restaurants will be getting police protection for free. That’s because those of us who do patronize the restaurants will be paying the meals tax for them. In other words, I will be paying my share for police protection AND the share of residents who do NOT patronize the town’s restaurants.
Think about that. If you sign the petition and the measure goes to a vote and passes, you will have the opportunity to let your friends and neighbors pay for your police protection. Just don’t eat out. It’s that simple, but is that really the kind of community we are? I say no. I say do not sign the petition. I say accept that after years of studying the issue, trust that the Budget Committee and the City Council have found the least expensive and most fair way to fund our police is with the $20 surcharge.
Ken Gregg, City Councilor
live and learn!
Great true perspective.
Hard to believe the meals tax would be the sole source of funding. Unless that’s the case, your argument is nonsense.
Shades of Fire Protection……..either vote it in or we will cram it down your throat…………how times have changed.
I think the intent was to have those visiting Jacksonville pay their share of the police services by adding a small tax to the bill for a prepared meal.
This seems fair to me.
Not sure how many Jacksonville residents eat locally on a regular basis.
I do and will continue to do so, tax or no tax. I don’t mind paying the tax.
I think shifting part of the burden to those visiting makes sense.
Dave Smith