How California's Fiscal Woes Began: A Crisis 30 Years in the Making Jul 3, 2009
They begin with the 1978 property tax revolt and the victory of Proposition 13. As California experienced a dramatic escalation in home values, property tax assessments skyrocketed ... Property tax rates dropped an average of 57. (Time.com)
Sunnyvale Town Center developers default on $108 million loan Jul 3, 2009
I know they are going through property tax negotiations with the county assessor. Pages: 1. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Cautious view from Toyota on NUMMI Jul 3, 2009
He said Fremont officials are very interested in the continued health of NUMMI, which provides nearly $2 million in annual property tax revenue to the city. Bruce Kern, executive director of the East Bay Economic Development Alliance, an Oakland-based business advocacy group, has participated in regular meetings between plant representatives, business leaders and elected officials over the past 10 years. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Watertown taxes will go up while firefighters, police and teacher jobs will be cut Jul 3, 2009
The average residential taxpayer would see his or her property tax bill increase about 2. 5 percent, or $109. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
R-III Adopts Balanced Budget Jul 3, 2009
Property tax, $10 million, including both current and delinquent taxes; the foundation formula, $9 million; sales tax, $2 ... "The lion's share of district funds comes from local property tax, which should be down just a little, approximately 1 percent from last year," Long said. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Council priorities taking shape Jul 2, 2009
In addition to a half-cent reduction in the property tax rate in the proposed 2009-10 budget, our goal will be to establish a half-cent reduction per year in each of the next three years while working towards 67. 5 cents (per 100 valuation) at the end of three years, Mikulec said. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
County gets feedback on finances Jul 2, 2009
Petre said of future budget considerations the state-imposed property tax levy limit on local units of government is set at 3 percent in the governor's budget. This limitation will allow for only an approximate 750,000 increase in tax revenue and will continue to have a negative impact on local government's ability to provide services to its citizens at current levels. (Watertown Daily Times, WI)
Volusia County homeowners may see rise in property taxes Jul 2, 2009
About 50,000 Volusia County homeowners could pay an additional 18 percent or more in property taxes this year if local governments try to sustain current budgets and completely offset declines in taxable values, Volusia County Property Appraiser Morgan Gilreath said Wednesday ... So, if local governments raise property tax rates this year to offset overall taxable-value declines, homestead properties will be hit harder than nonhomestead properties like businesses, where taxable values have... (Daytona Beach News Journal)
City's revenue drop not as bad as feared Jul 2, 2009
That s less than the drop projected by Overton in early June, which was the basis of Peyton s plan, announced last week, to raise property taxes by 14 ... Of the $170, million, $100 million is from property tax reform passed on a statewide level, $40 million in pension costs and $30 million from the recession. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Why did the Winona district shift some funds instead of cut more from the budget? Jul 2, 2009
Funding for schools come (for the most part) from three sources: the federal government, state aid, and local property tax levies. Funding for school districts is split into multiple sections. (Winona Daily News, MN)
New plan ramps up U.S. 27EMS protection Jul 2, 2009
Operations for Polk County EMS are funded out of the county s general fund which is expected to take a $49 million hit this year from declining property tax revenues. Fire Services is funded separately through a special assessment. (Lake Wales News, FL)
County pay cuts to be addressed Jul 2, 2009
Whatever that amount might be is countered by a combined decrease of 300,000 in local property tax revenues and an additional 700,000 drop in sales tax revenues, Leimgruber said. While Wednesday s county session dealt with labor issues that require attention, Leimgruber said he remains concerned over how the county s ability to continue providing services at a time when the state will start issuing IOUs to cover its expenses. (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
Governor vetoes pieces of 'fatally flawed' state budget Jul 2, 2009
Temporary property tax, if necessary, which at least has some relationship to ability to pay. Sales taxes hit everyone, rich or poor, the same. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Doyle: Stimulus money kept state from even deeper cuts Jul 2, 2009
The Real World wrote on Jul 2, 2009 12:01 AM:" Anyone who has been paying attention already knew this.The sad part is we are going to be have insurmountable trouble in the next budget. This budget will give huge property tax increases, most of witch we be postponed until after the next election. ". PLEASE NOTE: Comments on stories that frequently update through the day disappear with each update. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Retirement: Global Destinations Increase Jul 2, 2009
Panama offers seniors an income tax exemption, a 20-year property tax holiday, and discounts on everything from movie tickets to physician visits. Belize has a formal program for seniors called Retired Persons Incentive Program. (BusinessWeek)
DeKalb amusement park fails to develop Jul 2, 2009
1 million, according to DeKalb County property tax records. Lee May, the DeKalb County commissioner who represents the area, said Grand Empire was an ambitious project that he believes would have drawn visitors from far beyond the county lines and even from outside the state. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Kreitlow defends state budget Jul 2, 2009
He defended some controversial policy items in the budget, such as repeal of the QEO, or qualified economic offer, meant to cap teacher salary increases as a method of controlling property tax increases. We are really talking about two separate issues the QEO and arbitration rules, Kreitlow said. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Washington Co. property tax bills in the mail Jul 2, 2009
WASHINGTON COUNTY Property tax bills were mailed out Tuesday to 55,477 Washington County property owners, County Treasurer Todd Hershey said ... Washington Countys total taxable base, or the amount of assessment subject to property tax, has increased 9. (The Herald-Mail Online)
Pennsylvania Revenue Department Releases Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Collections Jul 2, 2009
Of the total for the month, $62 million was collected in state taxes for property tax relief, bringing the fiscal year total to $602 million. Other gaming-related revenues collected for June included $7. (PR Newswire)
Consolidation should be last resort: Jul 2, 2009
I have heard that the major concern is the property tax cost ... What about the cost to Chetek, of losing its school name, mascot, and colors, and of the property tax increases in the future if the area enrollment continues to decline and the property values continue to increase as has been the trend before the recent economic downturn. (Chetek Alert, WI)
N.J. has school districts without schools -- but not for much longer Jul 2, 2009
If Tavistock taxpayers paid a share based on their property values, for all Haddonfield school students instead of just the one who lives in Tavistock, their property tax bills would skyrocket, surely eclipsing the Haddonfield school tax bill of $6,742. The new law gives the state education commissioner authority to decide whether towns sending students to other districts should pay based on school enrollment, property value or some of both. (USA Today -- News)
Avoiding the will of the voters Jul 2, 2009
The price and property taxes were pretty much inseperable, a rather clear reality for many homeowners ... But at the end of the day, having people at-large vote up or down on capital projects cinches tight that bond between local government, property tax and taxpayer ... And I think that avoiding elections has led to larger government, as boards and commissions have added venues and facilities without specific voter oversight and unrestrained by ties to property tax. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Santa Clara property assessments level off Jul 2, 2009
The 2008 increase is the smallest since Proposition 13 property tax limits passed in 1978. "Too put this in perspective, the assessment roll grew by nearly $20 billion last year. In 2001, the apex of the dot-com boom, the assessment roll grew $27 billion," said Stone. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Another year, another budget deadlock Jul 2, 2009
What is helping the college is its two other sources of funding tuition and property tax revenues are doing well. But the state budget limbo puts some decisions on hold on budget planning for the college district, he said. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Quincy buys Howard Johnson’s site off I-93 Jul 2, 2009
The CPA allows communities to use a surtax on local property tax bills to raise money for open space, recreation, historical preservation, and affordable housing projects, boosted by state matching funds. If we leave it in the state s hands, they may get tight for money and sell it, said Steve Perdios, chairman of the city s Community Preservation Committee. (Boston Globe)
Notes from Beacon Hill Jul 2, 2009
Robust local aid helps municipalities avoid using increases in the property tax to compensate for budget gaps ... The package eliminated property tax exemptions on poles and wires located on public property and includes incentives to develop cost cutting regionalization agreements to share local resources. (Beacon Villager, MA)
Book closes on NJ school districts without schools Jul 1, 2009
If Tavistock taxpayers paid a share based on their property values, for all Haddonfield school students instead of just the one who lives in Tavistock, their property tax bills would skyrocket, surely eclipsing the Haddonfield school tax bill of $6,742. The new law gives the state education commissioner authority to decide whether towns sending students to other districts should pay based on school enrollment, property value-or some of both. (NJ.com -- News)
Volusia council considers community grants Jul 1, 2009
It presumes the council will adopt a rolled-back property tax rate -- the highest rate that wouldn't constitute an increase under state law. If the council chooses a lower rate, County Manager Jim Dinneen will recommend reducing the awards, county spokesman Dave Byron said. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
Gov. Brewer asks Democrats to back her on sales tax Jul 1, 2009
The proposal includes allowing a suspended state property tax worth $250 million in additional revenue to take effect. Most Republican legislators want to repeal that tax. (AZCentral -- News)
Cigarette Tax Hike Among 65 New Laws Jul 1, 2009
City and county officials, facing declining property tax revenues, say they needed the extra cash for police, ambulance and other emergency response expenses. Local governments also can no longer spend public money to sway voters on ballot issues. (News4Jax.com, FL)
Dinosaur owner defends incentive request Jul 1, 2009
John Stage, founder and president of Syracuse-based Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, addressed reporters this morning following a hearing on property tax reductions for the restaurant, which the city of Troy is hoping to lure to its waterfront ... So the city is offering a package of assistance that includes $350,000 for the renovation of the building; a $53,000 waiver on the mortgage recording tax; a $60,000 discount on some sales taxes on building materials; and property tax reductions for 20 years. (Albany Times Union)
Full story..... Jul 1, 2009
The facility will also create a significant property tax base to support schools, hospitals and other services in the region. Each dish will be able to generate up to 25,000 watts of power, which, according to Sandia National Laboratories, is the highest sun-to-grid energy conversion in the world. (Alpine Avalanche, TX)
MKAP continues raising money for playground Jul 1, 2009
Funds are raised through a 3 percent property tax surcharge, and the state matches approximately 75 percent of the funds by charging a $20 filing fee at the Registry of Deeds. Each year, 10 percent of CPA funds must be allocated for each of environmental protection, housing and historic preservation. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Fargo voters OK tax for flood protection Jul 1, 2009
They also said a sales tax increase would be better than special property tax assessments. Paul Winje, whose family was forced from its home by flooding, said he sees the tax as a step toward permanent flood protection. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Why did the Winona district shift some funds instead of cut more from the budget? Jul 1, 2009
Funding for schools come (for the most part) from three sources: the federal government, state aid, and local property tax levies. Funding for school districts is split into multiple sections. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Palm Beach County paid more than $23 million in 2008 overtime - $65,796 to one fire captain Jul 1, 2009
But with tax revenues dropping due to a struggling economy, county officials will have to decide whether to boost property tax rates to cover expenses, cut services or change the way they do business ... Palm Beach County is now contemplating a more than 15 percent increase in the property tax rate to balance next year's budget. (The Palm Beach Post)
Cuts, stimulus help states avert 'doomsday' crises Jul 1, 2009
Spending was reduced $4 billion, including cuts in property tax rebates. Massachusetts. (USA Today)
Ward has history of property tax problems Jul 1, 2009
She lost the house once because of unpaid property taxes, but got it back in May 2008 -- nearly a year before the residence became the subject of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."Ward, however, is delinquent in paying her 2008 property taxes ... - Dec. 12, 2006: The delinquent property taxes on the house reach $8,228 ... Ward, the 70-year-old Erie woman chosen Thursday to receive a new home as part of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," is delinquent on the property taxes on her East... (Erie Times-News, PA)
Fieldhouse renovation awaits okay from state fire marshal Jul 1, 2009
Were planning to use a portion of the local option sales tax, 271,000 and 800,000 for property tax relief in the district, said Reynolds. That gives us 815,000 to fund projects. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Mattoon school board amends budget to reflect $1.05 million deficit amid state funding delays Jul 1, 2009
The board previously approved what is effectively an advance on county property tax payments in order to cover the shortfall in categorical reimbursements from the state. If we had received that money from the state, I would have been giving you a balanced budget today, Assistant Superintendent of Business Tom Sherman told the board Tuesday. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Herkimer County officials outline services for Webb residents Jul 1, 2009
6 percent of county property taxes ... 8 million they re paying in property taxes this year ... The meeting was a continuation of a discussion that began in March to addressed residents concerns that they receive too few services for the amount they pay in property taxes. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Milam joins counties protesting falling property tax bases Jul 1, 2009
The protests are being led by county governments because their property tax base is being diminished by a change in the Texas Tax Code ... This new property tax formula has caused a significant under-valuation of oil and gas properties, the couties argue ... For example, the property tax revenue from oil and gas properties in Upshur County is predicted to drop by 1. (Cameron Herald, TX)
Council makes room for open space Jul 1, 2009
Molisse said a purchase of the parcels would eliminate property tax payments of $5,000 a year because the property would be removed from the taxation list under a state conservation restriction. District 4 Councilor Art Mathews said that he understands the concerns raised by Molisse and O Connor. (Weymouth News, MA)
Middle class may be developers' 2nd shot Jul 1, 2009
Seattle will vote in November on a property tax that would generate money to buy market-rate real estate developments that have stalled and convert them. "We are seeing opportunities right now to purchase properties," says Adrienne Quinn, city housing director. (USA Today -- Money)
Woodland Fire Department To Begin Billing Jul 1, 2009
Measure Prompted By Decline In Sales, Property Taxes ... The move was prompted by a decline in sales and property tax revenues to the general fund over the past several years and the continued increase in the costs of daily operations. (KCRA 3, CA)
CGUHSD approves proposed budget, waits for state to finish negotiations Jul 1, 2009
Hilyer estimated that the combined property tax rate (primary and secondary) would drop from $2. 89 per $100 net assessed value to $2. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Fire destroys businesses on Chicago Ave. Jul 1, 2009
The property, at 2113 Chicago Ave. S, is owned by Donna and Changhuei Tseng, of Minneapolis, who bought it in 1998 for $140,000, according to Hennepin County Property Tax records. The buildings were constructed in 1910 and are valued for tax purposes at $605,000 total. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
REAL ESTATE: Taxable property values fall for first time since '80s Jul 1, 2009
3 percent of property tax revenue collected in San Diego County goes to fund schools, while roughly 20 percent goes to city governments and 14 percent to the county government. Call staff writer Chris Bagley at 760-740-5444. (North County Times)
No decision on West Melbourne taxes Jul 1, 2009
Outgoing City Manager David Reynal presented two options -- both which raised the property tax rate -- during his initial budget proposal ... The city has until Aug. 4 to set a ceiling for next year's property tax rate, but would not finalize that rate until the budget is approved in the fall. (Florida Today)
Clayton residents face higher taxes Jul 1, 2009
The County Commission quickly passed a 3-mill increase in its property tax rate, but commissioners emphasized that their rate was not excessive for the metro region ... There has to be some property tax increase to ensure that citizens have the services they have come to depend on ... That s because the county uses a sales tax to roll back some of its property taxes. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Doyle axes county transit plan Jun 30, 2009
" Last November, Milwaukee County voters supported property tax relief via a sales tax for transit, parks, culture and emergency medical services," he said. "While today s veto was disappointing, I call on the governor and the Legislature to take this as an opportunity to swiftly enact separate enabling legislation that fulfills the wishes of these voters.". (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
How the City Council members voted and why Jun 30, 2009
Howard Shook, District 7, NO My constituents don t think that a property tax increase is a creative answer to somewhat tired old problems. Clair Muller, District 8, NO. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Cultra reports on future of county's finances Jun 30, 2009
"Today, one in 7.5 workers in Van Buren County is unemployed. Michigan's largest employer, the auto industry, is rapidly contracting in order to return to long term profitability. This in turn will lead to the permanent elimination of tens of thousands of salaried and hourly employees throughout Michigan. It is my understanding that the State of Michigan's budget has a 1.7 billion dollar projected deficit. We should anticipate that the State's support for some of our programs could be reduced or... (Paw Paw Courier Leader, MI)
Flagler commissioners get overview of budget issues Jun 30, 2009
It meant the owner of a home worth $150,000 with a $50,000 homestead exemption was assessed $429 in county property tax ... 7 million in property taxes, commissioners would have to raise the county's tax rate to $5. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
Atlanta council approves budget, tax increase Jun 30, 2009
The Monday approved Mayor Shirley Franklin s $541 million fiscal 2010 budget and a property tax increase to pay for it. Council members passed the budget 9-6 on Monday afternoon, several hours after voting 8-7 in favor of raising property taxes by 3 mills to plug a $56 million gap in the budget ... The tax hike will raise property taxes on the average home in Atlanta valued at $240,000 by about $240 a year. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Corzine signs $29B N.J. budget Jun 30, 2009
It also includes property tax relief for households earning up to $75,000 annually, which was made possible by more than $525 million in unanticipated revenue from a tax amnesty program. Republicans who opposed the budget said it also strips property tax relief from 1. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Avoiding the will of the voters Jun 30, 2009
The price and property taxes were pretty much inseperable, a rather clear reality for many homeowners ... But at the end of the day, having people at-large vote up or down on capital projects cinches tight that bond between local government, property tax and taxpayer ... And I think that avoiding elections has led to larger government, as boards and commissions have added venues and facilities without specific voter oversight and unrestrained by ties to property tax. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Full story..... Jun 30, 2009
The facility will also create a significant property tax base to support schools, hospitals and other services in the region. Each dish will be able to generate up to 25,000 watts of power, which, according to Sandia National Laboratories, is the highest sun-to-grid energy conversion in the world. (Alpine Avalanche, TX)
Your turn on Atlanta’s property-tax increase Jun 30, 2009
The Atlanta raised property taxes today to close a $56 million budget gap and end furloughs of city employees, AJC staffer Eric Sturgis reports ... Well Shirley got her way, she has been trying for years to raise Atlanta property taxes ... Someone owns the building renters live in, and when they get hit with the property tax increase, they will likely adjust the rent. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Commissioners still uncertain on 14.9% tax-rate hike Jun 30, 2009
9 percent increase in the countywide property tax rate. In their second meeting this month on the county's $4 billion spending plan, commissioners continued to press for furloughs, buyouts for employees and salary cuts. (The Palm Beach Post)
Pay Freezes Spot Of Agreement Among City Officials Jun 30, 2009
Another option -- a property tax increases -- is expected to add $6 million next year. Most council members, however, opposed the tax hikes. (7 KETV Omaha)
Here is the latest New Jersey news from The Associated Press Jun 30, 2009
The $29 billion package preserves property tax rebates for senior citizens, the disabled and homeowners with limited incomes. TRENTON, N.J. - Parents of autistic children in New Jersey might get some help. (NJ.com -- News)
Florida's Property Taxes Go Wacky in Housing Slump Jun 30, 2009
buyers who find fire-sale bargains at foreclosed home auctions picking up, say, $400,000 houses for $100,000 or less are also realizing they're required in many cases to pay the same property taxes, as if the homes were still valued at $400,000 ... In Miami-Dade County to the south, where one in four homeowners are 30 days or more behind in their mortgage payments, residents are bracing for what Mayor Carlos Alvarez says could be an imminent property tax hike to fill an almost $400 million... (Time.com)
Watertown Town Council in 60 seconds Jun 30, 2009
The average residential taxpayer would see his or her property tax bill increase about 2. 5 percent, or $109. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
JOHN OSTLUND: Fresno excels at many things Jun 30, 2009
"The more people understand, the more likely State may borrow millions from Fresno, Clovis Clovis may have to bo 00001D26 rrow from its own city funds to save jobs and keep its reserve intact for emergencies. The state is considering borrowing $2 billion in property tax revenue from cities and counties -- a projected $9.24 million from Fresno and $1.66 million from Clovis -- to help close its budget gap. With the state's financial noose tightening, cities are considering ways to find money to... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
