County Legislator Terry Niebel threw a curve-ball last week in regard to the recent discussion regarding the raising of the sales tax from 7.5 to 8 percent. In a commentary that appeared in our May 17 edition, Niebel believes - like fellow legislators - that if the state agrees to the increase, property taxes must be reduced.

His proposal, however, is not in line with some early suggestions of 3 percent. He wants to take it a bit further: a 5 percent property tax decrease.

"This half-percent (sales-tax) increase will raise yearly revenues by $7.8 million," Niebel wrote. "The main reasons given for supporting the sales-tax increase is that it will provide tax relief for homeowners and correct an ongoing structural deficit problem."

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