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(Bargain or no bargain...?)
As you pay your Real Estate taxes, it's a good time to evaluate whether you're getting your money's worth. It's also an opportune time to consider whether elected officials are being straight forward when talking about spending and taxes. Consider the following:
1. In mid-November, you received a statement of Your Proposed Property Tax for 2009 from Scott County. It included a special attachment from the School District that read "Property owners will see a decrease on their tax statement" due to "Expiration of the district's current levy referendum, an increase in property value within the district of 8%, and 2007 Legislative changes. You now have your 2009 Property Tax Statement, and not surprising, the decrease isn't there. In fact, there is a large increase. It is not clear what the School District intended to accomplish with this mailing. 2. You have heard for several years that Prior Lake taxpayers pay the lowest rate in the County. I guess that depends on how you look at it. The Citizens League of Minnesota has just released a ranking of 2008 taxes for 117 Metro Communities, based upon information from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The ranking includes cities and townships, and specifically lists 10 communities for Scott County (6 cities and 4 townships). Of the ten, Prior Lake is third from the top in terms of Effective Tax Rate (Effective Tax Rate is determined by diving the tax paid on an average value home by its assessed value). For example, the tax on an average value home in Prior Lake is $3,669 as compared to $2,635 for an average value home in Shakopee. Of the 117 Metro Communities listed in the Citizens League report, Prior Lake ranks in the top 25 percent in Effective Tax Rate. Citizens have a right to feel frustrated, particularly during difficult economic times, but they also have an opportunity to be heard. Citizens for Accountable Government (CAG) has been a voice for residents who want no-spin information relative to taxes and spending. For example, when the School District asked in 2007 for a 70% increase in local tax support for our schools, it was CAG that printed and distributed over 10,000 brochures that presented in detail the School District's record on taxes and spending. The referendum was defeated, and was replaced with a more modest request in 2008 that CAG did not oppose. CAG has also printed and distributed thousands of brochures related to spending and taxes for the City of Prior Lake. You can help CAG to provide you a voice in our community by taking two steps. First, would you please consider becoming a dues paying member of CAG? While a small handful of people dipped into their own pockets to pay for printing of brochures in the past, it's CAG's hope to spread future costs around a bit. For that purpose, CAG is initiating a membership drive for dues paying members. Proceeds will be used exclusively for materials and printing costs, since all work is being accomplished on a voluntary basis. If CAG can continue to be effective, the return on a $20 investment should be significant. If interested, it would be appreciated if you would complete the Membership Application (by clicking HERE), and contribute using our secure online form, or send it to
Citizens For Accountable Government
c/o Mike Myser
3857 Island View Circle NW
Prior Lake, MN 55372
with a check made out to Citizens for Accountable Government. It would be most appreciated. Second, another priority of CAG is to identify individuals who may be interested and qualified to serve in public office, and to encourage them to file as candidates. The effectiveness and quality of local government starts with the individuals who file as candidates. Do you know individuals who you believe are qualified and able to serve, individulals who you believe CAG should encourage to consider becoming candidates? If you do, please drop a note to
Citizens For Accountable Government
3470 Sycamore Trail
Prior Lake, MN 55372
(or...use this form to contact Dick Felch)
Thank you for your support.
CAG Steering Committee
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