Dear Editor,

Currently, Danville City Commission is considering a tax increase. Simultaneously, the proposed budget increases charitable giving to $235,000! Does this pass the smell test?

Taxes are paid by residents to acquire police and fire protection, infrastructure maintenance, street lighting, and city services benefiting residents. How do charitable contributions as determined by commissioners become needs to be met by taxes?

The commissioners would have $235,000 more to spend on city needs by eliminating all charitable contributions. If residents wish to support charity, they can certainly determine which ones and give their money directly, not via taxes paid to Danville.

Stop this absurd usage of tax revenue.

Bill Shaver

Danville