-----Original Message-----
From: Carol Abernethy
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2009 12:23 PM
To: #####@###.###
Cc: Ken Pennoyer; Bill Strom; Ed Harrison; Jim Merritt; Jim Ward; Jim Ward (w)
; Kevin Foy; Laurin Easthom; Mark Kleinschmidt; Matt Czajkowski ; Sally Greene
(w); Amy Harvey; Carlo Robustelli; Catherine Lazorko; Dwight Bassett; Mayors
Intern; Roger Stancil; Sabrina Oliver; Sandy Kline; Bruce Heflin; Flo Miller;
Ralph Karpinos; Toni Pendergraph
Subject: Email RE: Budget

Thank you for your email. A copy has been forwarded to each council member and senior staff members.

Carol Abernethy
Executive Assistant
Town Manager's Office

-----Original Message-----
From: Web Site
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 11:44 AM
To: Town Council
Cc: #####@###.###
Subject: Budget

Message sent by #####@###.###

Having received a substantial increase in my assessed valuation yet seeing the actual value of housing falling rapidly, I'm now very apprehensive about the upcoming Town budget and new tax rate.

I'm seeing my property taxes increase to the point where they are the #1 expense item in my budget. We're cutting everything in sight - including food (by buying store brands and using coupons) - to balance our budget.

I strongly suggest you take a very hard look at each line item in your budget for 2009 - take a cue from President Obama's speeches - eliminate or reduce all spending that's not critical. For critical programs, make them more efficient. We cannot afford any increase in taxes and really need a decrease.

At the rate it's going, the property tax burden will force me out. How can you claim support for "affordable" housing when the tax burden is so oppressive?

President Obama says we should think big. I challenge you to come up with a 10% tax decrease for 2009. Ten percent more in my pocket will translate to more spending in Chapel Hill. The inverse is also true.

Regards,
Jerry Gschwind
Chapel Hill