Dallas County’s budget shortfall is bigger than expected

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Dallas County Commissioners were expecting property values to fall $2 million. Instead they fell $7 million, largely due to the number of settlements paid in property value lawsuits. They've already made cuts to the sheriff's budget. They have until October 1 to make $5 million more budget cuts.

posted by ccuellar

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snowboard9, says:

Here's are two great way to increase Dallas revenue and pay for services :

(1) TAX THE CHURCH (2) FAIR taxing policies : Why are property taxes for low income areas nearly zero?

Anonymous

1 year, 3 months ago
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I think number one is an excellent idea! The main argument you will get there is that the tax will cut into community services for the poor, etc. The truth is actually that the preacher/pastor or whatever might have to fly coach...or give up the hummer.

Are you really suggesting that they increase taxes for low income residents though?

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1 year, 3 months ago
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snowboard9, says:

Hi jtmbls... I agree lots of people (including the church crowd)often agree with #1. It is one of those 'sacred cow' entities that no politician wants to touch and incur the wrath of the church.

For #2, by definition low income residents presumably already live in low income housing. Since property taxes are based on property value, I don't see the issue. As a matter of fact, I would add that low income residents use the same (and in some cases, lots more) in city services.

I think it's time to lose the sacred cow mentality that exists in taxation. All we need is a politician with a backbone - which is a large ask as far as I'm concerned.

regards

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1 year, 3 months ago
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Pavel Lishin, says:

The problem with taxing the church isn't really a problem with taxes - it's a problem with how people interpret the separation of church and state.

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1 year, 3 months ago
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jtmbls, says:

Splain. Cause I don't see how them paying taxes just like everyone else hinders their freedom of...whatever a bunch of weirdoes do when they congregate.

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1 year, 3 months ago
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Jason Rice, says:

Hey! If you tax the church they'll become competitive industries. As a not-for-profit, their books are open and they are available for examination. In return, you don't tax them.

Do you really really really want closed books on people you already distrust?

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1 year, 3 months ago
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snowboard9, says:

Pavel, jaosn, You all bring up good points.

Clearly, the church is enjoying the ambiguity of church taxation. What is also ambiguous is the 'separation' part of church and state.

I still think the church needs to be taxed. Perhaps not so much on "income", but rather on property value. That is what I meant. I don't get why they are not taxed if they benefit from city services.

What is also frightening is the church expansions that continue to reduce taxable realestate. Take Preston Road - the church is gobbling up blocks of what is currently taxable realestate. Guess who picks up the balance on the shortfall? You and Me.

This is total BS. I'm thinking of declaring my house as a place of worship. I will forgive anything - no questions asked!