Outside C.R., option tax share dwindles

While it's important to know where your telemarketing-driven donation dollar goes, it's more important to be aware of the breakdown on where the Linn County option sales tax dollar goes. The more you know about option tax distribution formula, based on population and property value, the less likely you are to support this high-cost, low rate of return, county tax.

With everyone in Linn County currently collecting the tax, Cedar Rapids gets 59.83 cents of every dollar collected, the unincorporated county gets 16.37, Marion 12.54, Hiawatha 3.04, Robins gets 1.03, and Fairfax only 0.71. The other 6.48 cents is divided among all other jurisdictions in Linn County, based on two factors - population and property value.

Suddenly the 22 cents average going to local charities for every dollar raised by outside telemarketers, as uncovered by a recent Gazette investigation, looks generous. Especially if you live outside of Cedar Rapids.

Why does telemarketing take such a beating and the local-option tax money distribution formula get such a free pass on pointing out the inequities to people on their rate of return on the dollar?

Paul T. Larson

Cedar Rapids