Telling the Truth -- Troy Millage Election
As I drive to and fro across Troy, MI (since I live on one side of the city and pastor a church on the other side of the city), I see these blue and white signs telling us to vote no on the upcoming millage election. Added to these signs, is the message that this is a 29% tax increase.
If it were a 29% tax increase then this would suggest quite a major increase in taxes, and one that would not be fair, but is this the reality? Are we really going to see a 29% tax increase or is someone monkeying with the numbers for political gain? They say that because the current millage rate is 6.5%, a 1.9% increase is approximately 1/3 of that number. But, is that the way it should be calculated? I don't think so. Our taxes are based on assessed home values, and so if those values go down, then so do the taxes we pay.
The opponents of the millage increase tell us that they don't believe the city manager's projections. Well, that's fine, but in responding I would suggest that the opponents not stoop to telling untruths. Let us also recognize that if our services depend on revenue produced by taxes taken in, and those taxes are based on home values, if home values are decreasing, so are revenues, and if revenues decrease then we have to either increase taxes or cut services. The City Manager has made a projection, checked it with the county folks (the same county government so many of the anti's in Troy are enamored with), and has told us what needs to happen.
Every analyst of the current situation in Troy, MI says that due to decreasing home values our taxes will go down quite substantially. A millage increase will likely only bring our tax bills slightly above what we're paying now, if that. I'm a new homeowner in Troy, and I value the services provided here. There is a top notch (and over-crowded but well used) library. A nature center and a museum that provide important outlets for our children and the broader community. We have top rated police and fire coverage. And our tax rates are among the lowest in the county. Do we really want to lose what we have? I don't think so. But then I don't speak for everyone.
But, back to telling the truth. There is a populist rage out there, not just in Troy but across the country, and demagogues who manipulate the truth to their own advantage are tapping into and encouraging the fears of people. I think its time to say no to the demagogues, and take responsibility for rebuilding our communities.
As for me and my household, we're voting yes on February 23rd.
Comments
That will set them off.
Whether or not they're lying -- I do believe they are misreprsenting the numbers, and that is dishonest. So, if they want to stick with those numbers then also admit that the actual increase will be minimal if at all because actual taxes paid will decrease.
So, do I believe this is a willful distortion of the facts. Yes.
I'm glad that you agree that the city is well run and that the city manager is presenting an accurate projection.
So, then the real issue isn't the 29% number but what services we're willing to live without and what that will mean to the city we live in.
Second, in terms of percentages the taxes are lower, but the higher home values means that our taxes paid are higher. That's the problem of having a higher value home!
Finally, as to political gain -- I see this whole thing as being part of an intramural Republican battle for control. I'll admit that as I'm a moderately liberal Democrat I'm not in the majority here anyway.
My outside observer question is.. will the new tax rate be accompanied by a new tax value assessment? If not, then I would argue you are both right and wrong. If the base doesn't change, then it is in fact a big increase. If you do reassess.. and reassess honestly, then it could be a major decrease.
Frankly, if someone offered me tax value for my home it would be sold!
Chuck
In Troy the taxable value of a home is one half the assessed value. Therefore, a 200,000 home, which is probably the median price, is taxed at 100,000. The expectation, and the reason for the millage, is that the assessed (and thus the taxable values) will go down significantly this year. Thus, most home owners, as I've been told by the city's mayor, will see a significant drop in taxes. With the millage increase we should see a small increase over this year.
Yes, I know, it's not a 29% increase in my taxes, and probably my taxes will go down, but, in fact they won't go down as much if the millage passes.
Why does the city need 29% more?
The city plays funny games with the numbers as well. One of their positions is that a 10% wage concessions won't fix the problem, then they go on to say that even a 5% conession would only yield approximately 2 million in additional revenue, but that doesnt address the FIVE YEAR 20+ million number. So, are they saying that they would give the 5% BACK in year 2, 3, 4 and 5? How does that math work?
I have to argue about the Republican battle for control. Unfortunately there is a group of Republicans that are a stain on the party. Their behavior can be compared to the bullies on the playground. That being said, I know of many Republicans that are concerned with the future of the city of Troy and will be voting in favor of this minimal tax increase.
Its all about job preservation. They (the city administration) could care less about the level of service. And they are trying to scare the residents into believeing the 1.9 increase is the only way out.
They want their jobs, and their staff to remain intact.
The bad news is that even if the thing passes the job losses will still need to happen.
And I'm proud to say I know a number of people who will be voting NO on the millage increase.
The important point is that tweaks in benefits, salaries, and minor cuts will not solve the problem. 1.9 mils is not enough... the city will lay off another 90+ people over the next 5 years even if the millage passes.
We can preserve what we have without it costing us any more out of pocket than it did in 2009. Over the following 4 years we will get another 20%+ tax cut because assessments will continue to drop.
Save Troy.... Vote Yes !
Also note that most of the neighboring communities can do this without vote.
How the heck is the city going to pay for anything when the taxes are way down now?
I loved the services that Troy provided, but I guess I can kiss that goodbye. Thanks a lot Troy Citizens United.
http://truthintroy.blogspot.com/
It's time to work together to resolve it's issues and maintain the quality of live venues that we need. We need to maintain our city so it continues to be a preferred destination and preferred place to call home!