You basturd...

 

We have the same thing here in the midwest. When the budget goes up nothing is said, when it goes down the budget gets for things that people care about. I think I can explain how this works.

When property taxes are up, or the community grows, or the economy is good, and the state kicks in more money for schools the extra money is pissed away on socal programs or things that quiet special interest groups. When times are not as good and the budet goes back to where it was, there is an effective plan that is passed from school district to school district that is proven to be effective. They cut the things that people care about so that there is an uproar in the community.

Remember, property taxes are not based on what is needed in the community, it is based on what can be collected in the community. The extra can always be spent on something.

Here is a quote from our local paper on Friday on home selling price increases in the last year. "Average price increases range from $13k -plus in Milwaukee County to nearly $17k in Waukesha County. Within those counties the price increases in communities are startling: ... $50k in New Berlin and Whitefish Bay; and nearly $72k in River Hills."

Property tax is the main source for funding schools. So at what rate will my property taxes increase? Will it be based on the cost of educating a student, or the market value of my home? I understand the value of my house is up over 50% above what I paid five years ago.

 

Just watch for any legislation in the future that would revise the tax base for your property. Here in Florida I pay property taxes on the taxable value of my home (i.e. what I paid for the home almost 9 years ago less my homestead exemption). My home is worth almost double what I paid for it back then, so God forbid they determine that I should pay taxes based upon a re-occuring accessment of the ongoing value of my home, because they need more funding! That's what scares me the most. At least it would create a major upheaval state wide if they tried to slide that legislation through.

-Mike-

 

I have been paying property taxes to schools for a very long time yet have no children of my own. I don't mind the taxes now while I am working, but when I retire I think I will have paid my fair share for society.

After a person retires he or she should not have to pay taxes on their principle residence. When a person has worked all of their life they should'nt have to worry about a government body taking their homes from them because of a tax bill that is worth a fraction of the homes value.

Most teachers are very competent, at least around here. They have their hands tied by people with extreme view points from both sides of the political arena but they still do a fair job. There is room for improvement and certainly more needs to be done on teaching economics and business to high schoolers before they are allowed to graduate.

Now a lot of people may think I'm nuts ( okay, a lot of people DO think I'm nuts) but with as complicated as the world is getting to be, and the rapid pace of technology today, I think an extra grade is needed before a high school diploma is granted. K thru 13 instead of 12. Not everyone is college material, but what was once considered an adequate education to get by in society, High School just isn't enough anymore. If I had to start today on what I had learned some decades ago my preperation would not be adequate and by most standards my small town school was considered one of the best.

my 2 cents

 

Mike,

Here in So. Illinois the tax rate is based on the assessed value of the home. As you improve your home or as it appreciates your tax bill increases. It is one reason I bought a more modest home than what I could afford. Another reason I bought a more modest home than what I could afford is that I am cheap. Thats what my last gal told me.

 

I'm with you, Nick.
A modest home is the way to go.
I tried making mine a two-story but, the cardboard kept collapsing.

 

Ouch... Ok, I guess there's at least one good reason for me to live where I do..........

-Mike-

 

You have to coat the bottom layer with plaster of paris.

 

Try Duct tape, it works for anything...

It will keep the second story up and the neighbors mouth shut...