ARIZONA DAILY STAR:  Weds., May 20, 2009

Guest Opinion:  Pima County bleeds taxpayers dry

By Ray Carroll
 

A recent article in the Arizona Daily Star (Lower tax, few cuts in county budget) said that Pima County's budget is "down $6 million." The story said that county finances are more stable than the city's because property tax valuations lag two years behind market conditions.

However, it did not explain that the $6 million dollar "reduction" is offset by an increase of almost $22 million in total property taxes, from $399 million to $421 million this year.

A more accurate headline could have read "County to collect over $15 million more from the taxpayers."

The county is taking more money because increases in assessed property values counter the reduction in taxes. This year's tax rate is based on $746 million in increased primary property assessments for 2007, the year before the recession hit.

Our property is being overvalued and overtaxed.

While we continue to bleed our taxpayers dry, the number of homeowners facing foreclosure remains at record levels. We need to learn how to live within our means rather than creating false impressions about "rate reductions."  But to do so, we need to have an honest accounting of our revenues and expenses.

FULL OPINION:   http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/293569