Too many questions about SC proposal

To the editor:

As a concerned citizen of Scott City, I believe it is most important for the community to make an informed choice on a proposal on Tuesday's ballot. The majority of Scott City City Council members chose to present this proposal with no explanation. It is imperative that residents and business owners have a clear understanding of the proposed telecommunications tax.

The proposal: "Shall the Municipality of the City of Scott City, Missouri, impose a tax on all persons engaged in the business of providing or furnishing telecommunication services in a sum equal to five percent of the gross receipts of such business?"

At first reading I assumed this additional tax would be paid by the telecommunication provider. Do not be misled. A yes vote will be a vote to increase your taxes.

As with all other gross-receipts taxes, this tax will be passed on to the consumer and will show up on your monthly statements as another fee.

Does this tax apply to land lines, cell phones, cable bills, Dish Network bill -- which one, some or all of them? Please take a look at your most recent statements and see how many federal, state and local taxes you are already paying and then decide if you really want to pay more.

The proposal leaves many unanswered questions. Shouldn't we have been informed as to why the additional tax is needed and where the money would to be spent? Until answers to these questions are provided, I urge you to please vote no.

GLENDELLA MAY, Scott City