Tax increases? 20 to 38 to 60 percent on unchanged homes for 2012. Why?
One resort increased from $4 k to $13 k. Ouch! Turns out partially a clerical error in the courthouse. Actual increase is $7,700.
Best Western Motel in Grand Marais to $96 k? Oops, back to $42 k (misclassification?). Time to show up for Truth in Taxation meetings and the next county commissioners meetings.
Eye openers: North Shore Hospital sought a $400 k increase in revenue from 2011 to $1.2 million. Turns out hospital board backed off to $800 k, as in 2011. Commissioners have no say in hospital operations and are simply a tax collection agency for them.
Cook County commissioners are attempting to make up for lost revenue from Minnesota by raising property taxes. The 2012 county budget is $17 million. With the 2012 increase, property taxpayers contribute $6 million.
Not included in the $17 million budget is $8.57 million borrowed for the 1 percent bond issue or $850,000 annual payments on this debt.
The federal government is broke! No possibility of property taxpayers able to make up for lost revenue from the state and federal governments. Time to plan on spending cuts on Cook County government’s expenditures.
Top priorities to preserve are highway department, law enforcement, schools, but a much smaller hospital/care center.
All other entities receiving money from Cook County government, prepare for cuts or elimination.
Greatly appreciated is an ambulance with high-tech staff for transport and a highway department willing to plow snow on weekends and take time off during the week. Both are brilliant! Efficiency and austerity are the new mantra.
New county commissioners coming in will be known as “Doctor No.” Do not even think of showing up at a county board meeting and asking for more money!
Steven G. Carlson
Grand Marais
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