Letter: Public Safety Tax should be initiated by County

There is talk about the need for a Public Safety Local Income Tax in Dubois County. Any member of the Tax Council may initiate a motion to implement this tax. And two cities—Huntingburg and Jasper–have it within their power to pass and enact this tax on the entire county. Clearly, this would be an example of taxation without representation.

Upon taking the oath of office, I accepted the awesome responsibility to “discharge my duties for the city of Jasper.” Though I may have a deep affection for a great many of them, I do not represent the voters and residents from the rest of the county. As such, I believe the logical place for any county-wide tax proposal to begin is at the county level.

Consider the fact that during the last municipal election, a little less than 3900 votes were cast in Huntingburg and Jasper City Council races. Consider further that in 2022 almost 12,500 votes were cast for County Council District seats, and in 2020 about 18,000 votes were cast for County Council At-Large seats. One fiscal body is obviously more representative of our county than the other two.

If a motion is made to enact this tax, I believe it should come from the County Council. Further, any proposed ordinance should not be voted on by either of the two cities until and unless the rest of the members of the Tax Council have voted. If Huntingburg and Jasper speak before the rest of the county is heard, we risk engaging in the tyranny of the majority. Let us proceed with caution and not haste. If there is a need for this tax, it should be voted on and enacted by the greatest number of residents, via their elected representatives. After all, taxation is one of the most serious powers legislators can exercise. There should be a clear and present need before government enacts any confiscation of personal income.

I look forward to discussing, discerning, and debating the solutions to our problems. Together let us build a better Dubois County.

Chad Lueken
Jasper City Councilman, District 3