I hope the sheeple decide to drown these frickin idiots out of office.
Posted on 08/27/2002 11:48:09 AM PDT by lainie
Starting next year, rainwater will no longer be free in the city of Winona.
While it hasn't figured out how to tax air or sex, beginning in 2003 the Winona City Council will charge city property owners for the rain that falls on their land.
As part of the 2003 budget process, the council gave tentative approval to the creation of a $200,000 stormwater fund. The money will be generated by a charge, similar to water and sewer charges, billed to owners of property that drains into the city storm sewer system.
The stormwater fund was discussed by council and staff Monday night.
The new city fee comes compliments of the federal government, according to city manager Eric Sorensen. As part of an effort to control nonpoint source water pollution from runoff, the federal government is looking at putting water-quality standards on the discharge from city storm sewers. Runoff from lawns, streets and parking lots can carry a wide range of contaminants, including dog droppings, lawn chemicals, fertilizers, gasoline, oil and an assortment of litter.
Public works director Keith Nelson said that while the regulations haven't been formulated yet, one thing is safe to assume: "It's going to cost money." Establishing a stormwater fund at this time offers the city a degree of protection from the financial shocks that are likely to result from federal actions.
Nelson said fees will be based on a complex formula that factors in roof areas, paved surfaces, lawns, wooded areas, agricultural land and other features in determining how much water runs off to be collected by city storm sewers. A piece of property that is virtually covered by a building and paved parking lot would pay at a higher rate than a parcel the same size that was largely lawn, garden or woodland.
As very preliminary, non-specific estimates, Nelson suggested that a 1/3 acre residential lot in an R2 zone might be assessed about $14.15 a year or $3.54 per utility bill. A half-acre lot, zoned R1, might be assessed $15.92 a year or $3.98 on each utility bill.
"It's just like using city water or the sanitary sewer," Nelson said.
Councilman Dieter Mielimonka said when the charge is billed there should be a note added to every bill - "This charge due to a federal mandate."
My church had been paying about $400/year despite all the runoff-management devices, cisterns etc. installed. Then the city took part of the property to widen the road, and now the bill is over $1000/year.
There's lots of money for the government to make here, and the residents of Winona better not get too conmfortable with these low rates.
Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, nineteen for me
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman
If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat.
If you get too cold I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.
Don't ask me what I want it for
If you don't want to pay some more
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me.
The term "fee" generally applies to money collected for services requested by a user who has the discretion to avoid the "fee" by not using the service. These "fees" are imposed upon property owners in an involuntary fashion. They are essentially property taxes, but taxes can't be levied without direct authorization from the voters.
It's a fine American tradition that has been dormant far too long.
I hope the sheeple decide to drown these frickin idiots out of office.
Then it becomes a standing pool and is subject to EPA regulations concerning endangered species. Didn't a man almost lose his farm because a puddle dried up and some frogs lost their home?
-PJ
Knowing Winona, I expect most people to put the rainwater in their pocket and walk out of the store without paying the damn tax.
__________________________________________
Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, ninetenn for me
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Should five percent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat.
If you get too cold, I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet
Don't ask me what I want it for
If you don't want to pay some more
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me
Almost forgot about you, joanie girl.
...which would've totally missed the point, eh? :o)
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