tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10424035.post8183208157495217162..comments2023-09-11T08:58:24.710-06:00Comments on Reach Upward: To Tax or Not to TaxScott Hinrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831447472339880148noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10424035.post-48220284035838538762007-06-26T15:45:00.000-06:002007-06-26T15:45:00.000-06:00There are essential services and non-essential ser...There are essential services and non-essential services, that I will grant you. No matter what town you live in, you should have essential services: decent roads, police and fire services, health care, public education, etc., even if you don't have the sales/property tax base to pay for those services. <BR/><BR/>Certainly we have the right to choose our place of residence based on the quality of life it provides, or whatever other criteria we choose. Unfortunately some people do not really have that choice, due to family obligations, inadequate income, or other problems. That should not mean that they lack essential services because they are stuck in a town with an eroded tax base.Charles Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02975241234146573609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10424035.post-48724599065167147082007-06-25T15:50:00.000-06:002007-06-25T15:50:00.000-06:00Actually, many North Ogden citizens debate whether...Actually, many North Ogden citizens debate whether a swimming pool is an 'essential' government service, (especially given that other pools are available nearby). We have a fair number of small government types in our community, but not nearly as many as some in that group imagine.<BR/><BR/>A few years back, a libertarian minded group was able to get a proposition on the ballot to do away with zoning in the city under the idea that zoning 'unconstitutionally' infringes on a property owner's right to use legally owned property as the owner sees best. After patting themselves on the back for the effort of getting enough legal signatures, the measure went down to a stinging 73%-27% defeat. Many that are all for small government, but are not ready to go that far.<BR/><BR/>The legislature has discussed a progressive allocation scheme, but the idea doesn't get very far. The argument is that each community is free to seek to attract whatever type of business it deems appropriate. Although neighboring communities have brought in manufacturing, for example, North Ogden has worked to keep such businesses out in the interest of a higher quality of living. Why should communities that actually deal with the issues involved in having manufacturing within their borders subsidize the pristine lifestyle of North Ogden residents?<BR/><BR/>People are free to choose the community in which they will reside. High property taxes and the types of government services available go into that decision. Those willing to accept the situation in North Ogden are free to move there. Those that don't like it are free to look elsewhere. Of course, people are also free to seek changes in the communities in which they live. That is what is happening with the bond election tomorrow. I have no sense of how it will turn out, so I will have to wait until Wednesday morning to see the results.Scott Hinrichshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11831447472339880148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10424035.post-54974941841182767882007-06-25T14:35:00.000-06:002007-06-25T14:35:00.000-06:00Sounds like your problem is that North Ogden canno...Sounds like your problem is that North Ogden cannot get the additional revenue it needs to perform essential services that its citizens require without increasing a form of tax that its citizens detest.<BR/><BR/>Most US municipalities are limited to sales tax (usually an additional burden on the state sales tax) and property taxes. Bedroom communities needing extra funds can attempt to draw in large retail stores to up their sales tax revenue, but the additional infrastructure costs of those stores usually outweighs the benefit of the additional revenue.<BR/><BR/>That leaves the property tax. If this tax goes too high, it will depress property values because people will not want to buy homes there. In addition, high property taxes can force citizens with limited incomes out of homes they have lived in for decades. <BR/><BR/>The only tax that makes sense here is a progressive income tax levied by the state with revenues passed back to the counties and municipalities in sufficient amounts to cover essential services and maintenance of infrastructure.<BR/><BR/>I'm sorry your town won't get a new pool, but 59 cents a week is far too much to pay to give today's North Ogden children the recreational facilities you had in your youth.Charles Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02975241234146573609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10424035.post-46514164742592531152007-06-25T14:11:00.000-06:002007-06-25T14:11:00.000-06:00Excellent post.The survey done supposedly by the N...Excellent post.<BR/><BR/>The survey done supposedly by the North Ogden City Council re this bond issue for the cover was a rigged poll.<BR/><BR/>Only the persons living North of 3200 North were polled. <BR/><BR/>I was polled and the first question asked was "Do you live North of 3200 North in North Ogden".<BR/><BR/>I talked to friends who do not live North of 3200 North and they had never heard of the poll. <BR/><BR/>Neither had certain North Ogden City Council members I asked if they had authorized the pool which they had not.<BR/><BR/>Certain elitist members of the North Ogden City Council continue to ignore the wishes of the majority of North Ogden taxpayers in regards to this swimming pool and now the additional cost for a partial cover.<BR/><BR/>Remember this in the next City election. I will.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com