Enclosed are statistics in reference to the Town of North Manchester that I feel the residents of the community should know. This is in reference to the proposed "Fire Protection" fee that is possibly being added to utility bills. All stats were referenced from the United States Census Bureau Web site in regards to the town of North Manchester.
Since 1990 to 2006 the number of residents in North Manchester has dropped from 6,383 to 5,932. (U.S. Census) This is a decrease of 451 individuals. In the last six years the North Manchester has lost 328 residents alone (going from 6,260 to 5,932). (U.S. Census) Question is: "Where have all the people gone?" The highest median household income in North Manchester is between $50,000 to $59,999 in only 522 households out of 3,638. The lowest median household income is below $24,999 in 1,201. (U.S. Census) Now explain to me how the residents in a town the size of North Manchester where 33% of the residents are below poverty level going to be able to afford any more increases. Especially when some of these individuals that earn $25,000 to $50,000 are those who work at a factory in Wabash County, that will be losing their jobs within the next 30 to 45 days.
Here are some facts:
The clerk-treasurer's office has always paid to the water utility a hydrant rental in the amount of $62,000. The question is will the "fire protection" replace this? If so, why? When the citizens of North Manchester pay through their property taxes for these services, what will be next, a fee for police protection?
I have calculated out for the citizens of North Manchester so that they may be made aware of what the figures are according to what was printed in the local papers.
Option 1 - $2.66
Based on 3,638 households - $9,677.08 monthly, $116,124.96 annually, $1,161,249.60 over a 10-year period.
Option 2 - $3.89
Based on 3,638 households - $14,151.82 monthly, $169,821.84 annually, $1,698,218.40 over a 10-year period.
What will Manchester College, Peabody, and Timbercrest be paying? The town can not continue to go to these three entities. Enough is enough!
As far as many other concerned citizens of North Manchester, we see that our tax dollars are not being used properly and that we are going to being paying twice for the same service (just like the ambulance service which we pay through our property taxes now too.) Just how long are we going to be paying this? It is time to start taking away some of the benefits from the town itself. Where in the 21st century can individuals work and receive sick paid time off (unless you're receiving short-term disability, not sick days)? And longevity pay needs to be re-evaluated too. Where can an individual get every holiday off? This is taxpayer's dollars that is being spent. We as taxpayers have to work those days so the individuals who we vote into office (or who are picked by others) can have them off.
It's time for the citizen's in The Town of North Manchester start getting some answers.
