OK, let me frame it differently: here in NJ, we pay for our local services (including cops, teachers, firemen, public works, etc.) from our local property taxes. In other states, these are paid from a more centralized pool of money (which is raised from state income taxes or some other means); in the end, the residents of the state are still paying their cops, teachers, etc. - it is just a question of “how”. In NJ nobody wants their taxes to be used to pay for the services on the “permanently dependent reservations” (Newark, Camden, etc.); they want to pay for their own little corner of the world instead (where their vote is one of fifteen thousand, instead of one in three million).
People who live in areas where local services are not paid by local taxes end up subsidizing their urban toilets to a larger extent, since the wealth is re-distributed from a higher level. You are going to get the bill anyway; when you move away from local taxes you get someone else’s bill as well.
In VA, our local governments set and collect the tax and the state has absolutely nothing to do with it. I didnt realize it was done any other way. I agree with you. Eliminating the tax gives the state full control over local government revenues.
I’m sorry, I’m still not buying what you’re selling.
What about unoccupied or undeveloped properties? Why should any tax be paid at all for those? Why should every property owner pay for public schools?
The property tax is a load of crap, and should be abolished. Replace all that crap with service fees, charged only to the users. Problem solved!
Then, since you seem to enjoy and approve of property taxes, proceed with enjoying them.
One of the beaties of this nation that is composed of 50 separate nations, is that we can try different things, within a framework of basic freedomes.
I for one, applaud ND for attempting to eliminate property taxes. They are indeed a pox. A property tax steals ownership. When one owns something, it cannot be taken. Yet, a property tax does just that.
Enjoy non-ownership of your home.