Editor: Higher homestead exemption, higher taxes

During this budget crisis, Legislators are seeking the comfort of age-old issues, such as property taxes and the homestead exemption. JR Ball, Business Report executive editor, says the problem is a great number of the bills would cause almost every homeowner to pay more in property taxes.” Contrary to public belief, each time voters march to the polls to approve another property tax, they’re not pulling the lever for a specific millage rate; rather, they’re saying ‘yes’ to a specific dollar amount,” Ball says. “The millage rate is nothing more than one part of a mathematical equation designed to get everyone to pay their fair share—and to give us a reason for tax assessors.” Read the column here. Send comments to editors@businessreport.com.