This question was recently posed to the Times-Union editorial e-mail group:
We would like your comments on the constitutional amendment up for a
vote on Jan. 29. If passed, the constitutional amendment on property taxes will double
the personal homestead exemption and save the average homestead property
owner about $225 a year. Supporters say government is fat and needs
to be forced to cut spending. Opponents say this approach for cutting taxes is all wrong and that the
potential damage to local government services isn't worth the annual
savings. What is your view and why? Your comments may be used as letters to the editor in either the main
paper or our community sections. If you don't want to be quoted, please say
so.
The comments that follow are all from Westside residents who responded. If you have thoughts on this topic, feel free to create a username and post a comment.
The planned amendment was created due to the perception of out of control spending by a few cities in south Florida. The Legislature is trying to use a one size fits all solution to that problem. We all know that usually a “one size fits all” fits no one well. If there is a problem with certain cities, then the problem is a local matter and people will vote with their feet if they can not get satisfaction at the ballot box.
One of the major issues that I do not see addressed is the State getting the authority to control local taxes. If this amendment is passed, then the state will establish this right. The further the taxing authority is removed from the taxed the less say the taxed have and the poorer the job that is done.
It is going to take a certain amount of money for a city or county to supply services to its citizens. If it can not be raised by taxation it WILL be raised by other methods such as a storm water fee. Every one is going to have to pay this fee whether or not they will be provided any services. I do not live in an area that floods due to rains. What service can be provided to me? The only way my property may flood is due to the storm surge of a direct hit by a hurricane. I do not believe that any one is going to build a levy around my house or neighborhood. I am sure that there are many other fees that will be paid by those that can not benefit from the given reason for the fee.
It appears that the reason for the Homestead Exemption is completely over looked. A homestead is the place that is owned by the resident. If the taxes become too high one could be literally taxed out of their home. This does not apply to homes other than the one place that one lives. It does not apply to renters because they do not own the property. It does not apply to the landlord be cause he does not live there. Rental property is a business and no business of any kind can be a homestead. If any thing needs to be done to the Homestead Exemption it needs to be indexed to the cost of homes within the taxing authority from the date the current amount was established.
Browne Altman
