Tax-cut proposal was mere pandering
By Times editorial
Published June 18, 2006
Seven years in office haven't taught Shawn Harrison much about leadership. Term limited out of his north Tampa City Council seat and seeking higher office, Harrison has decided, with elections around the corner, to champion (what else?) a property tax cut. For a guy who has finagled millions for his district, which is struggling more than anywhere with growth, this pandering has everything to do with his campaign and nothing with sound public policy.
Tampa's tax rate has remained the same for 17 years, thanks to a stable population, rising property values and an expanding and diversifying economy. But managing growth on the cheap has taken its toll. Though Mayor Pam Iorio has added millions for roads and sewers since taking office in 2003, the list of needs remains long. And we're not talking about museums or commuter rail but roofs for fire stations, fences for parks and other bread-and-butter expenses. This year, the city will repave only 36 of its 1,671 miles of streets. Of its 956 miles of sidewalks, nine miles will be repaired. That's up from last year's six miles.
Nearly half of the city's $389-million operating budget is committed to public safety. Put another way, the city spends more for police and fire alone ($183-million) than it raises from property taxes ($139-million). While other growth-related earnings fill the gap, the budget still is an exercise in damage control. Since 2003, Iorio has doubled spending on neighborhood projects - new sidewalks and signs, routine maintenance and the like - but that budget is still a paltry $6-million. She has committed tens of millions of dollars to widen roads, remove blight and replace half-century old water pipes - spending that has slowed but not reversed these problems. Harrison should understand that better than any council member. His New Tampa district has the city's worst traffic congestion, and the city has committed millions to catch up on essential services there, from cutting response times for emergencies to meeting family-oriented needs for new ball fields, parks and community centers.
With higher gas prices, increased pension and insurance costs and staffing needs for new fire stations, recreation centers and other services, Tampa has larger budgetary priorities than an election-year tax cut. Most council members recognized that Thursday, raining on Harrison's idea. The board should hold that position as hearings continue this summer on next year's budget.
Iorio has been conservative with taxpayers' money; the council needs to be equally realistic about paying for essentials and not cutting taxes as an election-year gimmick.