I am a property owner in Wayne Township. After reading Shari Benyousky's letter the other night, I had to wonder, why in the world is the Wayne township Trustee charging me more in taxes than is needed?
Not just once, but apparently every year! After checking out Mrs. Benyousky's numbers and finding them to be true, I have to ask why are we being taxed $335,000 a year more than is needed to do the job?
Not only that, why are we charging more when we already have $1.2 million extra sitting in the bank? If the money is needed, fine, but it's not being used. Are we helping the poor to the level we should? Road repairs should come from the general fund and wheel tax, but township funds could be used for safety concerns, such as turning lanes in high-risk areas.
Another would be additional signage to protect children in areas of poor visibility. Are we helping people with fire and EMS services? Cemetery care, support and services? Could some of that money be used for school security? What about additional help for Cardinal Center or Beaman Home or Our Father's House and the Salvation Army?
It is obvious that something needs to change in regard to the leadership and the handling of these funds. I want to pay my fair share and I pay my taxes every year. When the school system asked for additional support a couple of years ago, I supported the measure. I want safe and top-notch schools for our children to attend.
If the trustee can't find a good place that helps the community for my money to be used, then don't take it in the first place. I have plenty of places it can be used. My church, my grandkids, my community, my bills, etc. There needs to be a full accounting of what is being done with Wayne Township funds and a review of the taxation rate.
My thanks to Mrs. Benyousky for her letter to the editor. Without her information I would have never known what was really going on. Now I want answers. How many other trustees are charging more in taxes than are needed every year? How much of a bankroll has been built up over the whole county? Inquiring minds want to know.
