What is out of the norm is they proposing to give the taxpayers the opportunity to vote on this tax increase. That means they will have to go out and sell the justification to the public for this tax increase. The proposal is to hold a referendum in the spring.
This raises many questions:
How far do you go with referendums? Should the taxpayers be allowed to vote on tax increases? Should referendum be for "one off" tax increases or for all tax increases? Should it be only for tax increases above a certain amount (more than the cost of living)? etc etc.
Our neighbors to the west are having quite a debate on this issue.
8 comments:
I do like the idea that the taxpayers decide. Here in the CNP we could vote if we were to want a rec centre and know up front what the increases in taxes would be. It would however have to be a vote only by those that actually pay taxes and not every citizen over 18.
Of course you would only want referendums on things that are totally out of the realm of normal operations. Not when a new loader is being purchased as an example.
Dean I agree with your comment anything over the cost of living. Understandably the cost of doing business goes up every year. That's why it's called the cost of living.
anon 7:40.
Only a vote by people who pay taxes. Well, hello, we all pay taxes one way or the other. How demeaning to people that rent, or whatever. They are just as important.
Anon 7:54 I am not saying that people that "rent, or whatever" are not important. But for me it is way to easy to spend money when it is not yours that is being spent.
An example would be a 18 year old living at home with his parents. He wants a rec center but pays no property taxes so he votes for the tax increase because it costs him nothing. His parents however well they would like to have a rec center do not wish to see their property taxes rise by the stated amount so they vote against the increase.
Hope this clears it up for you.
Well, regardless of your opinion, 7:54, everyone over 18 has a voice in this country. And allowed to have an opinion. It does not go by how much money you have, or if you pay taxes, etc. Hope this clears it up for you. We are all equal, sorry.
I wish we were all equal when it would come to paying property taxes, where every one over 18 had to pay there share. But we are not equal. Only those who own property pay the tax.
I think you do have a good idea though. Instead of taxing only property owners why not tax everybody over the age of 18. Everybody gets to vote and have an opinion but they also get to pay. Then we would be equal. Thanks for the great idea.
Do not take any of this too seriously.
Merry Christmas
Pretty sure property taxes is probably included in rentals. On my goodness.
Pretty silly comments.
Anon 12:56 Fair enough as long as those renters understand that if they vote for a new expense that rent is going up.
This is all hypothetical BS anyway.
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