Those of us in Butler County are facing a 9% increase in our county taxes for 2008. If anyone is doing the math, that’s a 50% increase since 2001.
It’s no secret that the population growth in southern Butler County is largely due to people fleeing the confiscatory taxes in Allegheny County. For the most part, these new homes are large (3,000 plus square feet). One would assume that these large homes should generate a lot of tax revenue without the need for tax increases.
While Butler County taxes are still below the Allegheny County tax rate, the financial health of Butler County is questionable. Last month, the main contractor building the new county prison walked off the job, claiming that the county is behind in its payments. Yet the 2008 Butler County budget continues to give funds to non-profit organizations such as the United Way, the Arts Council, Historical Society, etc. Can “forced benevolence” by Butler County tax payers to these groups really be benevolence in any sense of the word?
1 comment:
I've considered moving out of Allegheny county for years. But if the sloe reason is to escape taxation (like many have) I think it's a bit like trying to outrun a train. You may get a head start and do fine for bit, but it will catch up to you in time.
I fled the city because I lost hope in any real change happening in my lifetime.
It will be interesting to see what happens in Washington, Co. now that the slots are ringing. Population is exploding and new bussiness are flooding the area. Will all the new revenue be enough to satisfy the tax hunger of officals? I doubt it will long term.
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