Of taxes, rain and goodbyes

Taxes. I don't like paying them, but I understand why I must. I'm not a big fan of tax increases either, but I can see why those are sometimes necessary, too.

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I'd like to commend Campbellsville City Councilman David Nunery for at least broaching the issue of increasing the City's personal property tax rate.

Wait a minute. Put the pitchforks down and hear me out.

The Council has voted to keep the real estate and personal property tax rates the same. While doing so will actually see an increase in real estate tax revenues, personal property tax revenues will drop nearly $4,000.

There's no argument that America is neck deep in an economic crisis right now. It's hitting us all. And taxing those who have lost jobs or had their pay cut is simply adding insult to injury.

But seeing tax revenues dip is never a good thing. Just ask the Taylor County School Board. The District's real estate tax has seen little change over the last several years and is actually lower now than in the past. It's hard to progress when you're working with less.

True, when adding the City's real estate tax revenues to the dipping property tax, the City will actually see an increase of $1,330.29.

But if personal property continues to drop, that could spell trouble for the City - and those of us who live within the City limits.

So, I tip my hat to Nunery. It's never a good time to talk tax increases, especially in an election year, but Nunery's actions suggest to me that he's thinking of the City, not about re-election. I can't think of a better quality for an elected official.

Rain

All this tax stuff was running through my mind as I stood in the shade at Green River Lake State Park, wondering why more kids hadn't shown up for the annual Kids Fishing Derby. Less than 10 were competing while I was there.

Threats of rain could have kept some away, but the skies over the lake were free of rain clouds during the derby. The wet stuff didn't cause any problems until later that afternoon, canceling Music in the Park and the first responders program during "Mainstreet Saturdaynight."

We haven't had significant rain in a while, so I won't complain. But why'd it have to come on one of the busiest weekends our town has seen in some time?

Goodbye

I'm sure none of our readers know Junior Ray Roberts. He was the sort of guy who'd give you the shirt off his back.

Years ago, when I still lived in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, he found out that I played guitar and tried to give me his - a very nice Epiphone flat top. He must have offered the guitar to me a dozen times. I eventually ended up with it for a while, by virtue of a trade.

He moved to London, Ky. several years ago and I never saw him much anymore. And I regret that.

Junior passed away Saturday at the age of 66.

Like I said, I'm sure none of our readers knew the man, but, if you're lucky, you know someone like him.