Higher gas tax not adding up to more revenue

Bay News 9 ^ | June 15th

[Halfmanhalfamazing]

The cost of filling a gas tank is higher in Citrus County than in the rest of the Bay area, partly because Citrus County gas taxes are higher than in many other Bay area counties.

[Halfmanhalfamazing]

How many times do we need to get this lesson?

Higher taxes = lower government income.

[doodad]

And let me guess. The commuters are wisely filling up elsewhere. Who would have thunk it?

[sgtbono2002]

The story says that people are driving less. My bet is that they are filling up in adjacent counties,where the price is lower.

[thackney]

"From what I've gathered from reading articles, it is the fact that people are driving less and the fact that the vehicles today are more efficient."

They doubled the gasoline tax in January and now collect 6% less than before. Do these people really believe total gasoline consumption is less than half of what it was 6 months ago?

[Halfmanhalfamazing]

I know that’s what I would be doing.

[thebaron512]

My friend lives close to Virginia and from WV, it is a decent drop in gas prices. Guess where he tries to refill his tank more often?

[Sacajaweau]

By June of 2006, NY had already captured the expected income FOR THE YEAR. They talked about lowering the rate or capping it...but I don't think that ever happened.

This year they're not even talking about what they're raking in.

[wildbill]

The ‘invisible hand’ of Adam Smith strikes again.

And those folks in California can’t—or won’t—even see it.

[sr4402]

Guess where he tries to refill his tank more often?

I used to commute from Maryland to Virginia and the price of gas was significantly higher in Maryland. Guess where I bought my gasoline?

Every time you reduce taxes you stimulate the economy. Every time you increase taxes you slow the economy and hurt the poor. Got that Democrats?

[NonValueAdded]

"It's based on consumption," said Glenn McCracken from the county's public works department. "From what I've gathered from reading articles, it is the fact that people are driving less and the fact that the vehicles today are more efficient."

He should try reading articles on FR, then. He might learn something useful. I'll bet the surrounding counties are mighty appreciative of Citrus' hike, however.

[Clock King]

The politicians can’t understand it because they don’t live on a budget like the normal person. I worked in a convenience store for while, and I saw first hand how people budgeted their money to pay for gas. They don’t just pay more and “suck it up”. They pay what they have available and don’t drive if they are low. But our elites will never understand this.

[sgtbono2002]

I usually get mine in Va. at the Morgantown bridge, Its almost always ten cents cheaper than Md. So cheap in fact that Governor Glendenning raised the toll on the bridge to offset it, but if I am going to Va. I buy there.

Virginia is cheaper than Maryland and Maryland is cheaper than DC. Only a damned fool buys gas in DC.

[Halfmanhalfamazing]

^^^^^^^^^^^They pay what they have available and don’t drive if they are low. But our elites will never understand this.^^^^^^^^^

I know all too well what you mean. I’ve been that person myself.

What really drives me up the wall is when they raise gas taxes, then turn around and point the finger at ‘big oil’.

What I’ve always wondered is why gas stations don’t advertise their true prices.

Instead of being 3 dollars a gallon, why don’t they sell it for 2.54 per gallon, then tack on the tax at the end?

[Clock King]

What I’ve always wondered is why gas stations don’t advertise their true prices.

When I worked at the store, I found out that there are very tight binding contracts with the gas suppliers. They tell you almost daily what price you can charge (within a range based on surrounding competitors). If they did as you suggested, the local government will come down real hard on you and shut your business down. I've seen it happen.