In reading the report of the city council I was quite alarmed to read the city was thinking of increasing our sales tax. As a small business owner in Humboldt I am totally opposed to this action. Every meeting I attend on the growth of Humboldt the topic of getting more retail business in Humboldt is discussed. Increasing sales tax is not going to be an incentive to retail businesses.
It is my understanding the increase along with the state sales tax increase would make our tax higher than Iola and Chanute, while we are a progressive community and like to be leaders in southeast Kan-sas, having higher taxes is not an area in which we want to be leaders.
On a personal note, my business attracts customers from area communities who are already spending time and money to shop with me and I cannot make them pay more taxes. I believe we need to keep our community in good physical shape, but let’s give our retail businesses a chance to thrive. Yes, we hope the economy will turn around, but let us have an opportunity to get a little ahead before we penalize our customers for shopping in Humboldt. I know there are no easy fixes, but it’s time to think about the people who have made an economic investment in Humboldt.
Thank you,
Terry Butts
Humboldt, Kan.
