What are the tax increases for the future? Why not have a more uniform structure in the county? For example, 2 acres versus 4 acres, there is a $700 discount if you own the 4 acres; 39 acres versus 2 acres, the 39 acres value is $1,942 less per acre under present tax program if the tax value on the land was the same, the county could have $75,368 more taxable land. The problem becomes greater with larger tracts of land. The property owners with larger tract can have their land in the farm or forestry program and get a tax break. The present they get a county value discount and a second discount if the land is in the farm forestry program. So the small land owners still get no discount — only more taxes.
The present tax structure states trees have no value. Go to Lowe’s, their lumber has value. Each day timber is hauled out of the county. Anson County has no mills which provide jobs, yet we tax everything else so why not the timber that is grown in Anson County? Instead, we give it to surrounding counties that get the money benefit from Anson County products.
On June 10, The Anson Record [printed a letter], “The citizens are not powerless,” and Anson needs to come together; they missed the point. The citizens do not care. The citizens complain about the problems but that is all they do. None show up to complain to the commissioners. At the June meeting, there was 12 people present besides the commissioners. If you have a complaint, their answer is “No action taken.” Anson County will be a dumping site for coal ash. There are growing issues, tax problems, few jobs and no industry looking to come to this area. We have a $28 million budget but we cannot hire a county manager. Is the problem no one is qualified or the commissioners are stalling on hiring until the county is ruined by “no action taken”? When has a commissioner asked for your opinion on current problems? They seem to forget they were elected by the people.
Citizens, get off the couch and show up at the next meeting, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m., tell them your concerns and refuse to hear “No action taken.” Keep voicing your concerns until you get answers.
[Lilesville] Police Chief Bobby Gallimore should be given a pat on the back for doing his job. Anyone setting on the side of the road late at night is suspicious. Lawyers should support police officers in doing their job. Instead, they make money defending people that cry out because they get tickets. In doing his job, a felon with a concealed weapon was arrested. I say to Gallimore, keep up the good work. If the lawyers or judges have a break-in or a car stolen or a family member robbed, who would they call? Not the people they defend, the police. If the present interaction of the law continues, there is no need to have the police.
People, get involved with the problems that are making this county a joke. A few cannot change things but a majority can. Do something besides complain. Anson County could have a future. At present, all we have is a toxic landfill, poor management, few jobs with low salaries. Why would anyone want to bring industry to Anson County?
Truett Wright
Polkton