In Iowa, we expect to receive quality public services at a reasonable cost. However, in too many school districts, cities, and counties there is a gap between the amount of property taxes extracted from citizens and the growth of the community.
What To Know:
Right now, your school board, city council, and county supervisors are getting ready to spend your tax dollars as they create budgets that determine your property tax bill. In too many communities, property taxpayers are upset when they receive the tax bill to pay for these budgets.
Spending just keeps climbing. A newspaper headline from this morning tells readers about one city's plans for $1 million in new expenses next year.
In others, there is a gap between the amount of property taxes extracted from citizens and the community's growth. For example, one Iowa school district is collecting 90 percent more in property taxes than it did ten years ago, while the number of students has remained the same.
What will this mean for YOUR property tax bill? What is going on? Why is this happening?
It happens for different reasons in each locality across the state, but the heart of the problem is a failure to talk with local elected officials. The good news is, many of these budgets are only in the preliminary stage, which means you can still have a say in the process.
In Iowa, we expect to receive quality public services at a reasonable cost.
Take Action:
So, if you are upset about your property taxes, go to ITRLocal.org. Take a look at the growth gap between property taxes and enrollment or population in your community. Then, use our built-in email form to start a conversation with these elected officials.
