(UNEDITED) This year as I opened my taxes for Weber county and reviewed where my taxes were distributed. I noticed that about $300 went to the city where I live. Contemplating that, I realized that only a fraction went to a city, which provides streets, police protection, activities for my kid, a large nice building for retirees to have activities, a beautiful pool for kids and adults, a great holiday celebration with fireworks, a pageant for the local girls to participate in Miss America, water and sewer infrastructure, large beautiful parks and general city maintenance etc. That is less than $30 a month. I would guess some pay less and some pay more, but that is very little for all the benefits I am given. There are some that would like me to believe that most of the taxes I pay go to the city, even people that should know better. They are either ignorant, have some political agendas, like contention or can't read their tax notice. I like most people wish my taxes were lower. That said, I am grateful to live in North Ogden, just like I was grateful to live in Ogden, Huntsville and Washington Terrace where local people who care, work hard for usually very little and donate their time and efforts to make their local communities a better place to live. Freedom comes with rules and a cost. Some would think freedom should have no rules and they should be able to do what they want no matter what impact it has on those around them. Can you imagine a community without sewer, water, roads....each man for himself. I can't imagine that chaos. They can have my $30 a month. Next time you hear someone complaining about their tax burden in your city ask them "What should we get rid of"? Heck you might be able to go out to eat once a month on the savings.
Merrill Spendlove
North Ogden
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