Posted on 05/01/2009 8:24:07 AM PDT by freespirited
Thousands of homeowners in Northern Virginia will see a jump in their real estate taxes this year despite the efforts of officials who slashed programs, raised fees and laid off workers to keep bills affordable during tough economic times.
Local officials have promoted their efforts to keep the average bill from rising. But not everyone was spared: More than 150,000 households in Fairfax County will owe more than last year.
Local governments in Virginia get the bulk of their revenue from real estate taxes.... When home values plunged by double digits in some parts of Northern Virginia last year, governments were drained of money they rely on for schools, public safety, social programs and other services.
Officials across the region are increasing their real estate tax rates to help make up for that loss...
In Sterling, the average homeowner's property tax bill will drop $907. But in some of the more wealthy reaches of western Loudoun, bills will rise by about 5 percent, or $241 a bill on average. It is a mixed blessing, said Supervisor James Burton, who has asked for a review of the data to ensure its accuracy.
The same pattern is evident in Fairfax, where property values have declined by 7 percent in some places and by more than 20 percent in others.
Unlike in the other jurisdictions, every Prince William County homeowner will see a lower tax bill. The average tax savings will be $435.
In Fairfax, supervisors absorbed a $650 million shortfall by curtailing an affordable housing program, laying off dozens of workers, raising a variety of fees and approving a tax rate designed to give the average homeowner a modest break. That left about half of the county's 330,000 households with at least a slight increase in their taxes.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
The value of the houses drops dramatically and real estate taxes go up. Which party has almost all the seats on the county council?
In Fairfax...it's all DemocRAT!
Behold the effect of blue zones in red states ...
In New Mexico the state is democRAT. Our property values were mandated by the legislature to increase by 6.1% even though insurance companies and real estate companies are revaluing most properties down by 25 to 30%.
Is there any other way with the Messiah?
When was the last time the GOP ever cut property taxes? We are in Frederick County Maryland, and our county is governed mostly by the GOP and those blanking socialists have never, once, ever cut our property taxes.
okay, but what about us freepers who live in Fairfax co?
Not to mention, Virginia’s personal property taxes, county vehicle sticker (tax), State income tax and so forth...
Lived there for a bit over a year, Virginia is one expensive state in which to live.
Glad I moved back to Texas.
Not too bad. I was expecting increases like $5,000, but instead most people are getting tax cuts and those who are paying more will see slight increase of about $250 - $500 per year. Wealthy estate owners about $1,000.
>> slashed programs
Yeah, right. I’ll bet they slashed.
Probably more like “decreased programs’ rate of growth”.
After all, local programs are “for the children” and “for diversity” and “for the environment” and NO PRICE IS TOO BIG TO PAY.
What i said “all the RATs that live in NoVa should be happy to pay this extra money and much more, afterall, the people who happen to reside there are just there to serve the needs to the State - that’s what RATs believe, and that is what RATs do. They should be thrilled to allowed to “live to serve the State”.”
Notice that I started with ***all the RATS.. should be happy*** I know some good folks who live and suffer there, and wish them all the best. We all have RAT infestions to deal with, some are much worse than others.
I was specifically commenting that the RATS should be happy with this outcome.
“When was the last time the GOP ever cut property taxes?”
I’m in Texas. Mine were cut by 500 bucks. In addition, they also gave me a break because I am a Disabled Vet.
Thanks GOP
Don’t you people know that we are not being taxed more to pay for a business (government) that never reduces workforce or expenses for any reason (including a recession...they simply go out in the back yard and pick money off the money tree when they need some more!
We had a GOP governor who cut the personal property tax. Unfortunately he has the personality of a wet dishrag, so his efforts at higher office have fallen flat.
I’m sure when the market comes back around the taxes will be adjusted accordingly.
We aren’t all RATs. My district went to McCain.
I hate that ugly thing. It reminds me of that old TV show “V”. It covers several acres, but is mostly unusable atrium space inside. As a result, they are in the process of building a hugely expensive annex across the street.
I am glad someone thinks the market is coming back!
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