League of Women Voters backs LOST

The League of Women Voters of Johnson County is supporting the local-option sales tax in Johnson County and encourages voters to vote yes.

While sales taxes are not the preferred type of tax, this particular 1 cent sales tax will help local governments in Johnson County continue to provide quality services to those of us who live here. The tax is necessary because of action taken last spring by the Iowa Legislature that will reduce the amount of revenue cities receive from property taxes. As cities by law don't have many funding options, the 1 cent increase becomes necessary to maintain services.

Of the 10 metropolitan areas in Iowa, only Des Moines, West Des Moines and Iowa City do not yet have a local-option sales tax. If you shop in other areas, you are now paying such a tax Under the terms of the tax, one penny will be collected for every dollar you spend. But, do remember that most necessities such as food, gas, medicine, and utilities are excluded from this sales tax.

So, support your local government and choose to continue living in a quality environment. Flip your ballot, look for the local-option sales tax and vote yes.

Nancy Lynch

Vice president

League of Women Voters of Johnson County

Iowa City