Members of the public had their final chances to speak to city council members regarding a proposed nine-cent tax increase recently. Most of those who did speak, spoke against it.

The proposed increase would go towards funding the M121 drainage project and extending Medical Complex Drive eastward.

“Sadly, I believe that a majority of you on council have already made up your mind about this,” Tomball resident Marilyn O’Neal said. “A tax increase of this size should be taken to the voters.”

O’Neal said she believes that some council members paid lip service to voters while campaigning, but will now go against voter’s wishes by increasing taxes.

“Right after the election and what do you know?” O’Neal said. “There’s another tax increase (proposed).”

Another Tomball resident, Schalee Lodge echoed O’Neal’s sentiments.

“(A tax increase) at this level, it’s unconscionable,” she said. “The justified action is no action.”

City Council member Mark Stoll sent out an email to residents in which he states that he plans to vote no on the increase.

“I feel the residents of Tomball should have the right to vote on this tax increase themselves, since this tax increase represents a 36 percent increase,” Stoll stated. “I feel the City of Tomball should be willing to educate the public on why we need these projects and to be able to answer questions that citizens and businesses may have as to how the projects would be done and what impact it will have on them.”

Jack Ripley agreed.

“With this kind of tax increase in this economy, it’s very legitimate for people and businesses wanting to come here to ask, ‘What in the world would they do in a good economy?’” Ripley said.

Ripley added that he believes that council only has two legitimate options: either withdraw the proposed increase and wait until the economy improves or let voters decide.

With the public hearing now over, the council must hold two separate votes on the issue before the rate could become effective. The council will hold those votes on Oct. 17 and Oct. 24 at Tomball City Hall. The meetings will start at 6 p.m.

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