Right now there’s a sales tax versus property tax debate being waged in Carbondale. Next Tuesday night, area residents have a chance to enter the fray and decide how their money will be spent.

The debate centers around the need for a new Carbondale Community High School building to replace the East Campus facility where freshmen classes are conducted.

To pay for this structure, Carbondale residents get to choose between a lone property tax increase or a smaller property tax increase coupled with a .25 percent sales tax increase. The current sales tax is at 7 percent.

Either way the school improvements will be made, but the Carbondale City Council has decided to have a public hearing to get community input regarding the most appropriate payment method.

So what do all these potential increases mean? Many of the landlords are speaking out against this property tax increase, but in reality it’s their renters who are going to take the hit. They’re not going to lose their revenue; they’re going to raise your rent to make up the difference.

Home owners have to decide which method of payment will be most cost efficient for their own needs. Do you want to pay for the school in your property taxes or at the shopping mall?

Dorm residents, don’t think you’re off the hook. You’ll feel the increase as your bank account decreases the next time you have to buy books or order a late-night snack.

Nobody wants to pay more money for anything if they don’t have to, but keep in mind the reason for this referendum.

This tax money will go to benefit the future of Carbondale. The Central Campus of CCHS was erected in 1923, so this is an old institution that could use some renovation, and the students and faculty have shown they deserve it. According to their website, CCHS’ Illinois Goals Assessment Plan composite scores are consistently among the state’s best.

As these increases will affect all of Carbondale one way or another, the Daily Egyptian encourages all Carbondale residents to let their voices be heard at the public hearing Feb. 2.

Community input and involvement on issues like this are vital. If you don’t want to pay the taxes, show up at the hearing and suggest an alternative. If you want to relate the necessity of the renovations to dissenters, then this is your chance to be heard.

In fact, this may be your only chance to have a voice as the City Council may also vote on the issue at the end of the hearing. The only opportunity to make your opinion known after that will be on the Feb. 23 primary ballot.

The Egyptian recently wrote an editorial urging students and area residents to register to vote and get actively involved in their community. After a strong voter registration turn out, here is your next opportunity to make a difference. Speak out at the upcoming public hearing or let your money do the talking.