On 6/23/04 6:22 PM, "Chris Johnson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I did my own math, and was shocked. The amount I pay in property taxes > for the library system in 2005 will be about three-hundred percent of > what I paid this year. And I'll be paying on the debt for the next 25 > years as well, while my doubtlessly ever increasing market value will > likewise continue to increase the amount I pay -- at a rate faster than > inflation, too, I'll bet. > > Incidentally, the median home value in Minneapolis in 2001 was $127,009 > and the average for single-family homes was $163,967, so I'm not sure > why the example home was valued at only $103,500. The median price > climbed to $149,000 in 2002 according to the city. I don't have more > recent figures, but it's obvious prices continue to climb. > > So was this whole thing sold on the idea that it would only cost $5.25 > per home? I don't recall, but it's a misleading number.
For what it's worth, I remember seeing how the assessment increased over time in the literature circulated by the library supporters. It didn't make me do cartwheels or anything, but in relation to my overall tax bill, it didn't seem too overwhelming. Even when the assessment tops out, $5 a month doesn't seem like that much of a burden for getting a library that will meet our needs. But the increasing assessment wasn't hidden away by any means. Probably wasn't trumpeted aloud with banners and confetti either, but it wasn't hidden. What Ms. Heller failed to note in her post was that "living with the old library for a while longer" wasn't really an option. The building was falling apart, running out of space and costing more and more each year to maintain. And contrary to Ms. Heller's post, the new library will not cost more for heating and cooling than the old one. Aside from the simple fact that there have been significant improvements in heating and cooling systems since the old library was constructed, the new library was designed using the Minnesota Sustainable Design Guidelines. Among those guidelines is a requirement that the building be at least 30% more energy efficient than is required by the state energy code. Mark Snyder Windom Park REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
