Augusta’s annual tax increase dance begins. It goes something like this: In early spring, the city manager warns residents about a possibly significant tax increase.

Later in the spring, the City Council begins its budget workshop farce, never considering any cuts, only increases. In early summer, the mayor announces that, under his guidance, the council has approved a budget increase that is lower than the city manager’s proposal. The mayor pats himself and councilors on the back for saving the taxpayers money by approving a smaller tax increase.

The dance is a little different this year, with the proposal to add nine new employees between the city and the schools. Here’s a suggestion from a taxpayer (someone who pays the bills): How about cutting nine employees instead?

When will our liberal leaders realize they cannot continue to tax residents into oblivion?

The day reckoning will come; hopefully sooner rather than later.

Christopher Duffy

Augusta