In tough times, tough decisions must be made

An unacceptable tax increase proposal. A proposed water rate increase. A potential sewer rate increase.

Doesn't this sound vaguely familiar?

Bob Hunter remembers this tune. It's the same city song and dance which helped bounce the former city councilor from his seat in 2005. Those tax and fee increases were among the reasons why an incumbent Democrat in a Democratic city couldn't win re-election.

Now, the city council is staring at the city manager's proposed 9-percent tax increase, along with a 3.5-percent water hike (the second in 18 months) and promises of another sewer rate hike.

And elections for three of the five members of council is next year.

The decisions that are made in the next month, along with those made next year during budget season, will resonate with residents who have long memories when it comes to their tax bills. And the recall for those residents whose properties are now taking on more of the city's tax burden - check your mail this summer for the real effects of the citywide reassessment - will be especially keen.

City councilors should thank the gods of the election cycle who determined that city council races would occur in every odd year; an incumbent may not stand a chance of winning this November.

So now is the time for city councilors to ignore the faces in the front row of council meetings, to ignore picket lines, to ignore letters to the editor. It's time to make tough, but smart, decisions to rein in the cost of city government, and demand the same of the people who are paid well to do so. This can't be about personalities or politics ... just common sense.

Voters passed the Auburn school budget because it was reasonable and measured. The same can't be said for the city budget at this time, but voters will have no say, regardless. Nor do they get to elect a new city manager or comptroller, who put together the proposed budget.

Frustrated city residents - who are facing either higher taxes, reduced services, or both - will be looking for their chance to vent. And they won't have to wait long.

If city councilors are unable to make tough decisions this year, Auburn voters will have some very easy decisions to make in 2007.