TAX REVOLT OR MISINFORMED VOTERS

by Eugene Berghoff

Since California voters slashed their property taxes by 57%, Illinois and other states are fearing similar reaction by citizen groups.

Many voters disagree with state and local officials on priorities following the passage of Proposition 13 in California.

About 100% of the citizens questioned felt that police and fire protection should remain at the present level with most wanting these services expanded. An overwhelming majority of taxpayers feel that current levels of government operations could be maintained if the administration were more efficient. If any cuts are necessary, they recommended the reduction of the public payroll.

The two areas where voters felt (if necessary to reduce spending) programs and services could be reduced without affecting the welfare and health of the community was the Public Aid and recreational services. Sixty-two percent would reduce public aid and 47 % would reduce recreational services.

About two-thirds feel that educational services should be kept at the present level with about 6% wanting a large reduction in employees and almost 30% a moderate cut in personnel.

Why is parks and recreation so high on the list of nonessential services? Doesn't the average citizen realize that leisure-time activities are one-third of their life time and necessary for a sound mind and healthy body?? Why not?? Have we done our jobs in keeping the public informed and active in our programs?? If not, we have a great selling project over the next several years to reverse these opinions.

Property tax is hated by a large majority of businessmen, farmers and homeowners; as real estate values skyrocket with inflation and the need for local governments to raise taxes to fund a great number of services, property owners have seen their tax bills fly to the moon. Is it a bad tax? I do not believe so. To me it is a system of taxing wealth and could be a fair tax if its over-all administration was improved.

The State should pass legislation that requires full time local assessing officials and pay commensurate with their important office. Assess all taxable property, establish county property record card systems, aerial maps of all counties, reduce exemptions and the State should provide a qualified field staff of at least 50 through the Department of Local Government Affairs to assist local officials in bringing about these much needed reforms.

Illinois is different from California in many areas of property tax. The State of Illinois receives only several million dollars from railroad assessments. Illinois has no budget surplus and in terms of property taxes per $1,000 of personal income, California ranked 6th while Illinois ranked 24th.

The Illinois' Constitution, unlike California's, does not give citizens the power to put binding propositions on the ballot, with the exception of proposals dealing with legislative structure and procedure. Only the legislature can change laws or submit proposed changes to the voters.

What are some of the causes of higher property taxes in Illinois? Below are listed several reasons:

1. Inflation

2. Demand for more services.

3. State mandated programs without funding.

4. High cost of public education(about 60 cents of every tax dollar collected goes to education)

5. Unequal assessment levels on different classes of property.

6. Decrease in new property construction with tax burden on existing properties.

7. Expanding exemptions.

8. Voter approval of bond issues and tax rate increases.

If a tax revolt is to be prevented in Illinois, a workable program of state and local government priorities must be established and each official must put forth a dedicated effort to give the taxpayer the services required at the least amount of cost.

We must, therefore, begin immediately to review our spending habits to determine if costs can be reduced. Develop a broad public relations program to restore the taxpayers confidence in government at all levels by getting the favorable side of the park and recreational story before the public. Make your community aware of what is happening in their park and recreational program and invite their ideas and comments.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 15 November/December, 1978