Leppert: I've Got Proof That Dallas Opposes Tax Hike

Dallas residents overwhelmingly do not want a tax increase, according to a poll commissioned by the mayor.

The City Council is considering a 6.5 percent property tax hike to help balance its budget.

But Mayor Tom Leppert, who opposes an increase, said residents are on his side.

On his personal website, Leppert said a telephone poll of more than 5,400 Dallas voters found strong opposition to the proposed hike. He said 78 percent of the respondents opposed an increase in property taxes.

The website did not say what firm conducted the poll or what its margin of error was.

Leppert also said more than 5,000 residents contacted him by mail about the issue. Almost all of them were against raising taxes, he said.

The $39 million raised by the tax increase would be used to restore funding for street repair, parks and libraries that is slated for cuts.

"If it needs to be a tax increase to provide the services that we need, then let's do that," said Larry Ford, a youth football coach.

But two parents of children that Ford coaches disagreed.

"If I have to hit a pothole for a year, that's OK," Andrew Carr said. "Don't raise my taxes 6 percent."

"Bottom line is, none of us want to any more taxes," Beth Kahlich said. "We're all hurting right now."

The tax hike will cost the average Dallas homeowner $64 per year.

Leppert has called for residents to lobby their council members to vote against the increase.

The City Council will vote on the increase Wednesday. A straw poll last week narrowly passed by a 8-7 vote.

NBCDFW's Randy McIlwain contributed to this report.

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