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Residents express concern about tax impact while supporting volunteers
Summary
Multiple residents thanked volunteers and urged caution on tax increases, saying many households struggle to afford essentials and expressing concern that property-specific levies would fall disproportionately on long-term owners.
Several residents who addressed the board acknowledged the value of volunteer firefighters and EMTs but warned that additional taxes could be unaffordable for many households. Damian Roe, who identified himself as a pastor and pharmacy technician, described clients who must choose between food and medicine and said he was "a voice for people that are struggling" who may not afford further tax increases.
Abby Messer, a lifelong resident who said she has relied on county services, thanked volunteers but said she worried that levies placed only on property owners would be unfair. "If my taxes go up much more, I'm gonna lose the land and the home that I grew up in," Messer said, describing inherited property and the financial strain of higher property taxes. Residents asked the board to consider tax-relief options for vulnerable households and to present clear plans and budget trade-offs before finalizing levy proposals.
