Eddie Clay

To the Editor:

The rest of the story.

Whether they realize it or not, every taxpayer in Fall River County is benefiting from the efforts of Steve and Carla Simunek, Kelvin Lorenz, Mayor Carl Oberlitner and the members of the Hot Springs City council who supported the development of the Hot Springs golf course.

The total tax bill for 2007 for the Boulder Subdivision, the Back Nine Subdivision, and the Boulder Falls Business Park, on property not still owned by the developers is $225,895.22.

The County receives $48,827.95, the City of Hot Springs receives $62,876.38, the Hot Springs School District receives $107,317.81 and the Ambulance Service receives $6,873.08.

Of the new residences on the development the lowest tax bill is $5,467.96 and the highest $7,678.30. The average tax bill on each of the undeveloped building sites, not still owned by the developers is $1,250.

Less than 10 years ago the total tax bill for all lands north of Highway 71, now included in the development, was less than $3,000. The increase of $225,895.22 in tax revenue is directly due to the development of the golf course and did not place an additional tax burden on the balance of the taxpayers in the County or Hot Springs. If there is no change in the tax levy this amount will be collected each year.

I appreciate very much your efforts to improve our community and increase our tax base. Thank You.

Eddie Clay

Hot Springs