A compelling case for the Atlanta MOST sales tax to pay for sewer improvements

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed makes a compelling argument for City of Atlanta voters passing the sales tax to pay for needed sewer improvements. From his Op-ed in the AJC:

A “yes” vote for the Municipal Option Sales Tax (MOST) won’t increase taxes. But a “no” vote means Atlanta residents and business owners may see water and sewer bills increase as much as 30 percent.

The MOST is necessary because Atlanta is under a mandate from a federal judge to improve its water and sewer pipes and tunnels as a direct result of decades-long neglect. The city’s crumbling infrastructure led to severe pollution of the Chattahoochee River and local streams and creeks. During the late 1990s, Atlanta faced daily fines for violations of the federal and state clean water acts.

Critical work remains, and the city must fund these water and sewer improvements without asking Atlanta residents to shoulder the burden alone. Someone has to pay. The question is: Will it just be residents, or will we ask everyone who benefits to pay their fair share?