Dear Editor,  

In the recent David Melson Times-Gazette article titled “City Property Tax Could be Cut”; it was apparent there was massive confusion amongst numerous City Council members. The statement by Mr. Melson “Some council members appeared confused about the process for setting tax rates” is a confirmation of their bewilderment. 

Police, fire, garbage. roads, recreation, power, sewer, drainage, cable TV, economic development, housing, homeless, dogs, chickens and rodents are just a few of the items in which municipal elected officials have responsibility. There are some have to one-time expenditures that are needed in the Shelbyville community – the big drainage pipe along with the pumps comes to mind. So would it be prudent to at least obtain an understanding of upcoming expenditures and revenue, before one starts pitching property tax rates – based on who knows what?  

I am a member of a couple of Shelbyville related Facebook pages. Reading the participants responses – I draw one conclusion – people in Shelbyville want a lot of stuff; good schools, good roads, recreation, restaurants, shopping, high paying jobs etc. The problem is not the wanting, but the capacity and knowledge to obtain all those things that makes a community live able and desirable.  

A city or community is a human creation. I have been in communities where an employer closed the doors and the town economy dissipated and never recovered. I have seen communities that have been almost completely abandoned. I have seen community infrastructure in disrepair. But I have also seen where a small town is vibrant, for no other reason than the skill of the residents and local officials. Those inhabitants understand that no one will get stuff for you. You have to get it yourself.  

Shelbyville is positioned geographically between two rapidly expanding large municipalities – Nashville and Huntsville. Shelbyville will continue to grow. The question is - what do Shelbyville residents want it to look like? Each of the Shelbyville City Council members should answer that question and also their plan to implement their vision. That should be an issue in every local election; it was not in the most recent, unless you believe that just cutting taxes will somehow magically make Shelbyville the land of milk and honey.  

Van Ayers

Chair,  Bedford County Democratic Party