To the editor:

I was disappointed to read your recent editorial criticizing the Legislature’s decision to give voters the right to vote on property tax increases by cities and counties. The property tax burden in our community has skyrocketed and this new law simply gives voters a chance to vote on whether their property tax burden will continue to go up.

From 1997 to 2014, the city of Lawrence increased total property tax revenues by 190 percent (11 percent each year) and Douglas County increased property tax revenues by 239 percent (14 percent each year). Property tax revenues increase when the mill levy rate is increased, assessed valuations on existing properties increase and when new buildings are constructed within the community.

At the same time, inflation has increased by 2.3 percent each year and our population has grown by roughly 1.5 percent each year. Total property tax revenues (including new construction) have grown at roughly three times the rate of inflation and population growth. This is simply not sustainable.

When a city or county chooses to increase the property tax burden by more than inflation, this new law simply allows voters to vote on the property tax increase. If a compelling case is made for why the increase is needed, then voters can vote to approve the property tax increase.

Voters already vote on tax increases when school districts increase the local option budget or issue bonds for construction projects or when cities or counties increase sales taxes. What is so “ill-conceived” about giving them the same right when it comes to property tax increases by cities and counties?