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Published – Brownsville Herald 4/30/2006
BISD is asking for more money, telling us that they haven’t raised the tax rate in 3 years; but they did raise it in 2003, a substantial amount in the face of home values escalating at a stellar rate.
I looked at Cameron Appraisal Notices and found that a house that was a modest residence valued at $78,060 in 2002, became really nice in 2003 valued at $93,680, and luxurious valued at $113,098 in 2004. Imagine that – increasing its value for taxation by one-half in 2 years without any change, either in improvements or in the wealth of its owner.
The tax bill increased, by $821.09 for only educational taxing authorities during that 2 year period. The owner may be modestly employed in public service. He didn’t sell his home to realize his new wealth. He may, however, have just reduced some of the frivolous expenditures, such as health and dental check ups, as his health plan only covers part of them and then only for the employed person. He may have had to ask his oldest girl to postpone going to college, because he is too wealthy for many of the benefits, and not wealthy enough to pay the tuition and fees. He works hard and actually pays income taxes but just doesn’t qualify for the goodies.
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