[Speed Gibson,
Monday November 22, 2004 at 1:44pm]
Property Tax Reform
The tax assessor's notices are in the mail, which prompts this post. Every 2-4 years we get handed more "property tax reform" that's supposed to further limit/subsidize our property taxes. They continue to rise, of course, despite the "help" provided by The Minnesota Miracle Release 17. There seems to be a threshold of pain. Go too high and the Legislatures buys them down by raising other taxes. Go too low, and bond referendums appear to take up the slack.
I would prefer that property taxes pertain to the public needs of the property. That includes roads, sewers, parks, and basic city government. That does not include welfare, medical care, or education at any level. And it has nothing to do with your income or other taxes paid.
With the level of such taxation reduced, I would further require ALL property owners to pay, including churches, schools, and even other government such as county offices and light rail lines. Any "zoning" differences in the rates must be justified by observed differences in public services required, such as police calls.
I would prefer that property taxes pertain to the public needs of the property. That includes roads, sewers, parks, and basic city government. That does not include welfare, medical care, or education at any level. And it has nothing to do with your income or other taxes paid.
With the level of such taxation reduced, I would further require ALL property owners to pay, including churches, schools, and even other government such as county offices and light rail lines. Any "zoning" differences in the rates must be justified by observed differences in public services required, such as police calls.