To the editor:

Recently, the Journal-World published a page listing those residents and businesses in Douglas County that were delinquent in paying their property taxes. Some of these omissions may be oversights; others may be deliberate delays. While many of the amounts owed by individuals and businesses were small, the total added up to more than $160,000. Interestingly, several well-known businesses were listed as being delinquent.

Our local governments are hard-pressed to maintain the services that they currently provide without further shortfalls in the revenue that they expect to receive. The delay by those who have not paid their taxes hurts us all and places a greater burden on our government agencies to meet their fiscal responsibilities. Perhaps a more diligent pursuit is in order, with more severe penalties administered.

If tax responsibilities are not fulfilled in a timely manner, the residents of Douglas County can expect two things: a call for higher taxes to offset the shortfall or reductions in services. Get off your duffs and be responsible citizens.

Ken Meyer,

Lawrence