I have read and heard from various people that students should vote no on the local sales tax option because only land owners or parents will benefit, hence only land owners should pay for the schooling costs.

Two points to consider:

First, if property taxes go up, rents will go up accordingly and so will the costs of items in stores and other businesses because the owners will have to pay the increased property taxes and will pass the costs along to their renters and customers.

Students always help pay for increased property tax costs, one way or the other.

With a sales tax you at least have the option of controlling your own spending and/or traveling to surrounding counties for large ticket items. With a property tax, there is no escape.

Secondly, a good education system benefits everyone, not just property-owners, parents and those planning to stay in Story County.

I would encourage students to vote “yes” for a tax that is in the open rather than one that can be hidden in increased rents and consumer prices.

Fred Gulden

Systems specialist

Library