A recent article about Jackson County speeding up assessments got me thinking about property taxes overall.
Despite the clueless business writers at The Star OR the overly optimistic ravings of local politicos, this recession is hitting hard and property values along with revenue for local government will soon face (is already facing) a steep decline.
In other words, the wallets for local politicos are soon to take a hit . . . As TKC hinted not so long ago, that's why raising the earnings tax for Kansas City is clandestinely on the table but in the meantime that means local government in this town will also face a consistent cash crunch. Of course layoffs have been an option for both Kansas City and Jackson County but things are going to get even worse (as always).
Here are TKC's Top Five suggestions for how local government can save or raise more money:
There, I've done it . . . Solved this town's financial woes. Blogs are brilliant. Natch.
Want a big money pay off? Put Gloria in a carnival style dunk tank. People would happily pay $$ to soak her. Heck there are probably a lot of politicians who could be in the hot seat. Think of all the money you could raise by lining them up to be hit in the face with a pie.
ReplyDeleteCity government is practically a circus anyway. Just seems fitting.
raising the E tax is not going to help. if fact it will cost kc significant losses in new and existing businesses. it also makes kc a less attractive place to work or live.
ReplyDeleteRaising the E-tax is a horrible idea but the fact is that there's no more money coming in so it has to come from somewhere. Got any ideas? Good luck cutting spending if Funkhouser wants to stay in office.
ReplyDeleteIdeas for cutting spending:
ReplyDeleteEliminate all the "economic development" departments - lock, stock and barrel. everyone goes.
Eliminate the convention and business bureau, neighborhood tourism bullshit. Everyone goes. Farm out the bookings at Bartle etc.
Eliminate all feel good programs that accomplish nothing but giving jobs to the mistresses.
Cut all the PR police officers and fire dept officials.
Cut all the rest of the city PR employees. We all know the city does a crummy job. Paying people to tell us otherwise is a waste.
Privatize as much of the remainder as possible. That means paying employees the market wage and holding them accountable.
The NAG Letter has a list of ten things to save money most of which are city deals but a couple would grab some money for the county.
ReplyDeleteConsolidate the election board, Tax billboards, cell phone towers, and a couple others seem straight.