What do THE PEOPLE say?

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The people's money

Thursday's editorial about a streetcar system in Fort Worth again brings up the question of federal money that we must grab before it's offered to someone else. (See: "Streetcar plan is all cart and no horse")

Many people appear to be upset about the national debt and pork, yet here we are, ready to take other taxpayers' money. I doubt people in other parts of this state, or any other state, give a darn whether Fort Worth has streetcars or, for that matter, a Trinity River project.

-- Jody Thompson, Fort Worth

We have heard about the $73 million gap between income and expenses for the city of Fort Worth's next budget. About 65 percent of the city's general budget goes to support the police and fire departments, including retirement benefits. That leaves only 35 percent for all the rest of the employees and city services.

Recently, there was discussion that the gap could be closed without raising taxes. But the price is going to be paid by the ordinary residents of Fort Worth who use the swimming pools and libraries and enjoy the arts.

A monthly "transportation fee" of $5.87 could be added to water bills. My neighbor has five cars but will pay the same fee as I do because the assessment is made per household, not the number of vehicles per house.

The streets need fixing; the transportation fee needs to be equitable. Homeowners who do not own a car would be exempted. If the city can discern who does not have a car, then it can figure out which households have more than one car and assess the fee proportionally.

Bottom line? Water bills are going up, and it's not for water! Higher taxes to follow.

-- Audrey Remley