Commissioners want to shift the tax burden
In an effort to keep taxes down, the Guilford Count commissioners are considering billing local governments for services managed and controlled by the county. Holding taxes down in tough economic times is a worthy goal, but the consequences of any change in services or how services are funded must be carefully considered.
If the county charges local governments for services previously paid for by county taxes, local governments will increase property taxes to cover the additional cost. This yields no net change in taxes paid by county property owners. It simply shifts imposition of taxes from the county to the local government.
The unintended consequence is that it creates a separation between control over the tax and control over the cost of managing the service, because local governments have no control over how the service is managed.
Long-term (unintended) consequence is: 1) lack of transparency leads to environment for wasteful spending due to lack of accountability; 2) higher taxes for same levels of service.
Please contact commissioners to let them know how you feel: http://www.co.guilford.nc.us/commissioners
Michael Smith
Oak Ridge
Comments (2)
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It might also result in fewer people buying properties that pay both local and county taxes, or drive down prices on properties in those areas. It's tough enough in a good market to sell a house in areas that pay both taxes. This only makes it tougher. I know when the market improves (if it ever does!), we're selling our in-town house asap so we can stop paying more than double for home and car taxes. Not a day goes by that we don't regret buying a place in town.
Posted on April 3, 2009 11:01 AM
Thanks for the link. I think I will.
Posted on April 3, 2009 7:35 PM