Following up on last week’s column addressing short-term rental properties, does anyone else see the irony in comments coming from those who are distressing over the increased tax burden imposed on dwellings that align with commercial classification? In some cases these statements come from the same people who have been telling common folks their property taxes are low and they shouldn’t complain about shelling out more of their hard-earned dollars.
Take Cook County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim Boyd’s quote in Pam Louwagie’s December 21, 2019 Star Tribune article “Taxes may rise on Minnesota cabins rented part-time”:
“It’s going to have a big impact on our economy,” said Boyd. “For a county whose economy is almost totally dominated by tourism … it’s not fun and games. This is serious stuff.”
Mr. Boyd’s last two volleys bare repeating:
“… it’s not fun and games.
This is serious stuff.”
He’s echoing some 51 percent of Cook County taxpayers who vehemently expressed similar concerns when their tax statements started reflecting significant increases.
However, when taxpayers reacted to double-digit levies, local authorities implored us to march to the beat of their drum, “Cook
County Taxes are Low”
…rum-da-da-dum!
When local authorities tell us our property taxes are low we’re supposed to rally to the rhythm of their incessant drumbeat. However, when a higher authority– the State, for instance– informs us that taxes will be going up on commercial ventures, well, the drumbeat takes on a different rhythm.
Here’s a couple of rim shots folks may wish to consider:
The cumulative total of levy increases in Cook County over the past six years (2015 – 2020) are the highest in the state. You heard right! And three of those six years found Cook County marching either as leader of the band or second in position to the drum major.
That means 86 county groups of decision makers–out of the state’s 87 counties–managed to find ways to spend less tax dollars than our county commissioners. And the difference isn’t by fractions of a basis point or even one or two points. The next closest county comes in nearly ten points less (9.551 points, to be exact) over this period of time.
Drumroll please …
It should come as no surprise that Cook County taxpayers continue to pay the highest cost per person for its local government; more than 86 other counties within the State. That’s a fact!
There will always remain those who fail to see the irony.
“History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.”
Abba Eban
*Based on the findings of the 2017 survey of Cook County taxpayers.
Former Cook County Commissioner Garry Gamble is writing this ongoing column about the various ways government works, as well as other topics. At times the column is editorial in nature.
Leave a Reply