A true revolution could occur in Oklahoma next year: the complete elimination of property taxes. If this passes, it would be historic.
Government is insatiable, none more so in many ways than county government. Properties are assessed by the same government that stands to benefit from the taxes levied on that property. That’s a vicious conflict of interest that must be abolished. Every year, our property taxes go up, and we’re forced to pay that lump sum at the end of the year, just as we’re broke from Christmas spending. Then we watch as our county wastes that money on one ridiculous project after another. Just look at Norman’s $39 million library that sits totally abandoned, rotting with all the books still inside. County government has proven it cannot be trusted to responsibly spend our money, therefore at least some of that revenue stream must be cut off from their grubby paws. And no one should be forced to sell their home because they can’t come up with $3000 by December 31st.
Eliminating property tax would benefit the poor, the retired, and those on fixed incomes. The rich are able to pay their property tax easily. The rest of us struggle to do so.
Schools will find alternative sources of funds. But no more cadillac facilities, or ridiculous plans for endless high tech “revamps” or $40 million stadiums. Our schools must return to actually teaching our kids, not laundering money to builders and investors.
County government will no longer have a captive tax base to abuse at will. They’ll be forced to be careful with spending habits. No more moronic projects that benefit no one.
