Unfortunately there is a new trend in our cities that is gaining popularity. Most of you haven't notice it because it is occurring under your radar. Slowly but surely, your cities have been adding non-essential services and unnecessary overhead.

Because of the ever increasing staff and operating expenses for the low priority services, cities are finding out that they do not have sufficient funds to provide the services for which they were created.

What is their solution? Select an essential service that they have neglected and ask you for a tax increase. They go for one of your hot buttons. Asking for a new tax to fund a low priority item or the overhead expenses just won't fly.

Northglenn residents can expect the same treatment this election or next; at the latest. We authorized a half percent sales tax to cover the water capital expenses for a temporary period. With the expense covered and the tax ending in 2009, they want to keep it.

The hot button will be street maintenance and improvement; an essential service supposedly covered by the General Fund. The Fund did the job before the new city managers and council members took over in 2001, but not since.

No matter the reason for their request, a promise was made when they asked for the additional sales tax. They should honor it. The fact they took ten million out of the General Fund to buy land north of City Hall should not be a factor. If they get their priorities right at City Hall, they will not need to ask for reinstatement of the tax.

Last Thursday night the City Manager presented the idea of continuing the sales tax to a receptive Council; so it is in the works. This Thursday night they will discuss an increase in the property tax for the new recreation center. Forewarned is forearmed.