To the Editor
My latest tax bill includes a breakdown of Alexandria City expenditures, intended to make me feel better as I write my check. It's a good idea, including categories such as "Livable, Green and Prospering City" ($519) and "Safe, Secure and Just Community" ($1,128). The amounts are those that a typical property owner will pay for each category, based on an average payment of $5,317.
But something is missing. Nowhere is debt service mentioned. It amounts to $65 million in 2015, and perhaps as much as $80 million in 2016 including new borrowing for the Potomac Metro station.
Given the controversial nature of debt and debt service, and the fact that it is an issue in the current election campaign, one should not be shocked by this omission. It is a good example of the kind of "transparency" the city now practices. But it needs to be fixed.
Robert Pringle
Alexandria