[Vision2020] Property Tax Increases

[Donovan Arnold]

John writes:

"Tom Trail has also stated that sometimes local assessors are thought of as 
‘generous” by the state.  However, since market values are not specifically 
known by either entity, having a state commission determine statutory 
requirements, and override local control, seems heavy handed.  Plus, what 
purpose is served?  How does the state, or whatever, gain by doing this?"

It is very easy for the state to gain from increasing the local taxes. The 
state pays out according to the need of each county. If the county raises 
more than enough taxes, it can lower state taxes and get the credit. It can 
also put revenue to special projects and pork rather then needs of the local 
communities. Do you honestly think that BUsh would not take advantage of 
raising state taxes if he could then get credit for slashing Federal Taxes. 
Why not? Reagan got away with slashing Federal Taxes and forcing state and 
local governments to raise taxes.

I do not think that State Government should ever have the legal right to 
raise local county and city taxes. I do think it would be OK if they could 
lower them though. This only to prevent discriminatory practices.

Donovan J Arnold






>From: "John Danahy" <jdanahy@turbonet.com>
>To: "'Art Deco aka W. Fox'" <deco@moscow.com>,   "'Vision 2020'" 
><vision2020@moscow.com>
>Subject: RE: [Vision2020] Property Tax Increases
>Date: Sat, 24 Apr 2004 17:30:02 -0700
>
>Wayne, you said:
>
>
>
>If I recall correctly from living in Boundary County, where I was for a
>period of three years a county employee, the State Tax Commission, by
>statue, periodically reviews each county's assessments and valuations to
>determine if they meet statutory requirements, e.g., are the property
>valuations consistent with current market values of the properties, etc.
>
>
>
>I can agree with this.  Tom Trail has also stated that sometimes local
>assessors are thought of as 'generous" by the state.  However, since market
>values are not specifically known by either entity, having a state
>commission determine statutory requirements, and override local control,
>seems heavy handed.  Plus, what purpose is served?  How does the state, or
>whatever, gain by doing this?
>
>
>
>John
>
>
>

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