> -----Original Message----- > From: Carol Becker > > > The real story is this: we had a period of unprecedented good > economic times. Yet during that time, the average taxpayer > saw substantial tax increases, while businesses, rental > property owners, and high income people saw substantial > decreases in their tax rates.
[TB] This is a very misleading statement, in many cases even false as it applies to local taxes. Those who rent their homes continue to pay higher real estate tax rates than those who own theirs, probably only because they are a more effective political force (often called special interests). Renters also tend include our lower income residents. Explain to me why a renter in Loring Park, Philips or Central should have his or her home taxed at a higher rate than a home owner living on Lake of the Isles. The owner of the little coffee shop at 29th and Lyndale pays an even higher rate. Incidently in most states those properties would be taxed at the same rates. The City of Minneapolis budget document tells us that real estate taxes will triple in the next decade, that document is based on state aids remaining level. If the city isn't willing to reduce service it needs to look at all possible additional ways to raise additional revenue. I haven't found anyone yet who wants their city property tax to triple. Terrell Brown Loring Park Terrell at terrellbrown dot org _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
