To the editor:

I was quoted in another newspaper on July 19 as favoring a higher tax millage rate for Cape Coral of $8.22. I want to make it clear that I am not in favor a tax increase, but only want the City Council keep this option available as they move through the budget process.

The Council will set a “not to exceed” millage rate on July 25, before the City Manager’s proposed budget has been fully evaluated. Once this number is selected it may be reduced but it cannot be increased. The actual tax millage rate will be levied by City Council in September.

This is the first proposed budget prepared by a City Manager with no prior governmental experience. The majority of this Council (those who signed the Contract with the Cape) appear to have so much faith in this gentleman that they are willing to move forward with the rate in his budget before the document has been fully vetted. The vetting process will include the budget hearings and an in- depth scrutiny not only by the Council, but the FAC (Financial Advisory Committee) and more importantly, the citizens of this City. While the citizens may not care that we have reduced the spending on City Hall houseplants, they may object to the proposed reduction in street light power. Most of us will not have issue with the elimination of unfilled vacancies in various City Departments, but we might not be willing to see our parks maintained less often or needed repairs to our public spaces neglected.

To use a simply analogy: I have a job to do off site and I am putting together a toolbox to take with me. I have an idea about the work needed and the tools that should be required to complete the task. I may not need it, but I am tossing in a level along with the hammers, screwdrivers, and saws, just in case. It is the same with the budget. Setting the “not to exceed” rate does not mean you must use it. But if you restrict the tools available before the job has been fully evaluated, you may find that the end result is unsatisfactory.

Rana Erbrick

Candidate for Cape Coral

City Council, District 5