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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ---
Contact:
Mark Nelson | info@opt4better.org | 563-340-2597 TUESDAY
JANUARY 17, 2012
Local
Option Sales Tax Revocation on the November Ballot Considered If
Locally Elected Don't Take Action Now
DAVENPORT,
IOWA - Citizens seeking residential property tax relief in Scott
County announced a weeklong online and printed petition blitz at a
late morning news conference hosted at the Davenport Public Library.
The City of Davenport is holding its public budget hearing Jan 18th
and is slated to vote on that budget January 25th. Numerous
additional taxing authorities, including cities, schools and the
county will be following suit this month.
The
announcement included a presentation from the founder of
Opt4Better.org, Mark Nelson, where he outlined how the statewide
mandated allowable taxable valuation on homes in Iowa, aka the
Rollback, has increased in each of the past four years. And, overall
tax rates have increased each of the past five years.
"When
the state rollback is increased, local taxing authorities enjoy a
windfall of revenue before any budgeting discussions are had,"
said Nelson. "We see that as a clear opportunity for local
taxing authorities to live within their means and lower the tax levy
rates. This is not found money nor is it a license to increase
spending."
Nelson
addressed three primary concerns on behalf of property owners in
Scott County.
1)
A need for increased awareness about the complex and overlapping
taxation documentation home owners receive in the mail about their
property tax assessment and tax bills
2)
Local governments need to acknowledge publicly the significant
increase in revenues due to state Rollback increases and pursue a
genuine reduction in expenditures, not a reduction in the rate of
future growth
3)
State legislators need to simplify the tax system and freeze
residential taxable value percentages and provide stability to
homeowners. The state needs to give municipalities the tools to
reduce their costs and cease the mandates that take away flexibility
in negotiating with unions.
