[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Property Tax Reform Hearing

[Email subscription to blog articles]

Posted by Speed Gibson:
Property Tax Reform Hearing
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1204862759.shtml


   Minnesota State Rep. Paul Marquart has been traveling, seeking public
   input on property taxes, as in reform. He represents district 9B. Also
   present were Rep. "Willie" Dominguez (58B) and Rep. Robin Brown (27A).
   All are Democrats. Given this was held at Minneapolis North High
   School, I thought sure that I was the only Republican present, but
   there was another.
   Rep. Marquart is an engaging fellow and I appreciate his energy in
   going around the state, this being stop number seven. There were nine
   speakers, starting with Minneapolis City Councilman Paul Ostrow. I was
   number five, and to my surprise, followed by Eva Young, proprietor of
   the [1]Lloydletta's Nooz and Comments blog.
   We heard some of the familiar stories, of huge tax increases based in
   part on artificially high valuations. One speaker said that the City
   of Minneapolis Assessor's Office and the local realtors are at odds,
   that the former won't accept the reality of the big drops in property
   values.
   In my remarks, I said that a good first step would be simplification,
   starting by getting rid of (moving) the separate line items for "solid
   waste" etc. Let's just have city, county, and education. I ended by
   suggesting that they consider allowing School Boards to set operating
   levies without referendums. The rest I have published here at various
   times.
   Eva Young added two good points to consider. Should non-profits
   continue to be exempt? If property taxes strictly went to property
   related expenditures, I would say yes, perhaps at a special rate. She
   also cited Tax Increment Financing ("TIF") which distorts the flow of
   the tax money among the recipients.
   Sadly, there were few more than the nine of us who spoke. Still, I'm
   glad the Representatives are doing this.

References

   1. http://lloydletta.blogspot.com/