Letter to the editor: We already pay county, city enough in various taxes

The Sumter Item recently published an article on the proposed Sumter County "Penny for Progress" sales tax increase that will be up for vote in November, that even included the wish list of projects the money would be used for. After reading the list, about the only thing I can somewhat agree on is the items involving the fire department and EMS. Everything else is a big NO. Especially $9.5 million for a Dugan Street/downtown parking facility. Are you kidding me?

I also did not see anywhere before the wish list was released about committee, that was formed in regards to the tax, asking the public about what the tax should be used for or how to contact them with suggestions or input.

I encourage others to vote no on this new increase. Inflation is hurting all of us nowadays, and every penny counts just in buying needed everyday things to include food and gas. We already pay enough to the county and the city in the taxes we pay (property, sales, hospitality and road user fees). Maybe the county and city need to reevaluate how the tax money they have is spent and cut out some of the fluff items in their budgets.

DEAN PLUTE

Lynchburg