Asking for a tax increase in an election year takes guts. But no one has ever accused the administrators at Copiah-Lincoln Community College of lacking in that respect, far from it.

In fact, Co-Lin’s administration has always seemed to fit well in Natchez.

Natchez is a small town that thinks like a big city.

Co-Lin is a small school that thinks like a big one.

It’s a marriage made in heaven as far as we’re concerned. But as in marriages, occasionally money issues can cause communication issues.

On Monday, Co-Lin officials came before the Adams County Board of Supervisors seeking an increase in the tax rate that helps fund the college.

The immediate reaction to almost any request for a tax rate is usually a negative one. Few among us enjoy paying any taxes, let alone more than we’re already paying.

Taxes, however, are an important part of our system of government and, in the case of Co-Lin, our system of education.

The administrators at Co-Lin deserve some credit for standing up and asking for something that may initially be viewed by many as unpopular.

Our community would be wise to listen to what Co-Lin’s leaders say, look at the numbers and make an informed decision.

At the end of the day, we all may decide that a slight tax increase may be justified.

But we won’t know for sure unless we listen, carefully and with an open mind.

Asking for a tax increase takes courage. Considering the merits of the increase takes reason and objectivity. We hope both residents and county leaders alike will show both as they examine the merits of Co-Lin’s request.