Please help us make an informed decision. Thanks.
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Hi – thanks for writing.

Mr. Czarnecki is a passionate citizen – well intentioned, but I feel, jumping to conclusions that are inaccurate.

1. I would have to research this number – I believe he may be referring to the authority that was this part of the 2003 Bond, where voters approved $130 million of transportation bond authority and $30 million of park, recreation, and cultural resources (PRCR) bond authority. (We chose not to use that authority, as that bond was originally passed without a firm statement that there would be a tax increase associated with it. ) Or perhaps he is speaking to another number, I’m not sure. Rest assured, if we had the funds for these projects available, we would prefer to use money we have, rather than have to borrow and pay debt service on new monies.

2. No, $80M was not chosen for that reason. If that were our only reason for choosing a number, I believe that Council would have chosen 1 or 2 cents, as the Biennial survey said that 76% of respondents would support a penny, and 56% would support 2 cents. Instead, Council looked at the list of projects, their costs, and prioritized them – coming up with the list you see in the Bond. A mixture of transportation, fire/public safety, and Parks/Rec = $80M. The cost to the taxpayer is $80/year in taxes on a $200,000 home. ($12/month) total in 2015.

3. Again, I respectfully disagree with Mr. Czarnecki. Included in the bonds are a number of very important projects that will NOT move forward without the money. It is up to the citizens if those items are worth the tax increase. You can see the project listings at: http://www.carybonds.org to make that determination for yourself. Included in the bonds are road improvements (maintenance on our roads was pushed out during the economic downturn) and intersection improvements, Sidewalks, and a new Fire Station, Parks (Carpenter Park, a Downtown Park, extension of greenways, etc.) and more. These projects will not occur with out the funding from our citizens. My personal belief is that what makes Cary great, besides its people, are the wonderful amenities that we have for our citizens (parks, greenways (rated as one of the most important to citizens in survey after survey), community centers, arts, etc.) … it is what has continued to place us as one of the “Best places to live.” Again, my belief is that we need to continue to invest in our community, especially in areas that are not served as well,today (such as new areas towards west Cary).

You are welcome to look at the staff report yourself. All of the information that Council receives is available online. http://www.townofcary.org/Town_Council/Agendas___Minutes/Staff_Reports/AD12-015.htm

I hope that answers your question, and I would be happy to talk more about it, if you would like. All the best to you.