Dean Making Political Mistake
Mayor Karl Dean is misleading the public about the state of Metro's finances and making a political mistake by not preparing voters for the need for a property tax increase.
Just about everyone familiar with the city's finances figures a tax hike will be needed next year to avoid some serious slashing of spending. But as we write in this week's Scene, Dean has been running around the city telling people that a little belt-tightening will take care of our problems.
To this point, Dean has pretended not to understand the troubles that lie ahead. (Or maybe he’s naive. Over drinks during the campaign, one Dean adviser griped to Scene staffers, “We’re talking about a candidate with about as much political sense as this beer mug.”)At Glencliff High School during one of his town meetings last month, Dean actually said this: “The stars have sort of aligned right now in our city where we can make an investment in our schools.” And this: “If we plan for some tight years, we’re going to be fine.”
In his State of Metro speech Tuesday, he suggested “smart fiscal management” is all that’s needed. “Although times are tight,” he said, “we know that will not always be the case.”
Dean did say during last year's election campaign that he wouldn't raise taxes as mayor. But breaking that promise is inevitable. With the kinds of comments he's making, he'll eventually damage his credibility with voters, and he's going to need it. When the time for the tax increase arrives, he'll have to mount a big campaign to persuade the public that the city needs more money. Then, how's he going to explain away all those times he said the government could manage its way out of trouble?
Comments
He'd better hope property values don't fall. The only way out is increased assessments (and the loop-de-loop of decreased rates raised back to old rates with no referendum necessary). Does anyone imagine that in these economic times people will vote for a rate increase? No way.
And to add something that will surely tick off public school advocates--and in response to the recent Pith discussion on why the middle class is important to public schools: Now that MNPS has chased me out of the district with hostility and poor quality, there is little chance I would vote for an increase. I simply can't afford it. How many like me are there out there? (When you treat public education like a social welfare program for the needy--as opposed to a civic responsibility that benefits the entire community--you end up with an underfunded, faltering system.)
Posted 05/14/2008 at 01:36:47 PMi dont think dean is misleading anyone. he admitted times are bad, but doesnt believe metro needs a tax increase? that's only misleading if jeff woods can prove metro does need an increase THIS year.
as far as what happens next year, it takes time to make a push for a property tax increase. it will mean either legal action to reverse the charter amendment or a serious, expensive campaign to convince the public it is needed.
what if metro needed to trim the fat and dean did that this year without raising taxes and then he raises taxes in the future? is that impossible?
the "scene" version of the state of metro would have dean up there stating how awful things are and how inevitable a tax increase will be. that doesnt sound very plausible. i cant think of any "state of" address with a tone like that.
Posted 05/14/2008 at 08:24:15 PMSo times are hard and real estate values are in the tank so you raise real estate taxes?
No one's money is going to get "slashed" just a little less increase.
Jeff Woods rents.
Posted 05/14/2008 at 10:08:22 PMWith reappraisals coming up this year and property values supposedly falling, will Metro be as quick to decrease our assessment as they are to increase it in a rising market?
Posted 05/15/2008 at 08:30:33 AMAre appraised property values actually at the level one could have sold it for during the last four years? I got a big increase in appraised value last time, but based on how other homes are selling in my vicinity, my tax appraised value is no where near what I could sell for. The appraised values are, comparatively, conservative estimates. We haven't fallen below those in most cases.
Posted 05/15/2008 at 10:17:59 AMAu contraire, tom. You are confusing the appraised (full market) value of your home and the 25% portion on which you taxes are based. I suspect the full value of your home may well have decreased some.
Posted 05/15/2008 at 01:35:31 PM