Opinion: Town of Olympic Valley would not mean more government
In his letter, “We do not need a town of Olympic Valley,” in the Wednesday, Jan. 21, Sierra Sun, Vlado Bevc asks about the meaning of “revenue neutral.”
It means that revenues transferred from the county to the new town cannot exceed the value of county services the town is now assuming. So yes, it means that taxes do not increase, unless of course the residents of the new town choose to raise them to provide new services.
Since services like water, sewer, and fire will still be provided by the Squaw Valley Public Services District, and other services like law enforcement will likely be contracted out to the county, the amount of revenue transfer will be small.
More importantly, incorporation does not mean more government. It means different government — government theoretically more responsive to local needs and desires than county government.
That is something I would think someone with Mr. Bevc’s anti-government sentiment would support, although it is not for a resident of Tahoma like Mr. Bevc to decide if a town of Olympic Valley is needed; it is up to the voters of the proposed town.
I have my own doubts about incorporation, but it is not my call either.
Jack Kashtan
Truckee
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