Whoops, make that a new fee – for a “stormwater utility” fund, or program (whatever). Here’s how it goes: instead of paying the cost to maintain and upgrade the City’s stormwater drainage system that handles the water that runs down drains in the streets, etc., from the City’s property tax revenue, there would be a special enterprise fund for that cost.
Guess how and by whom it would be funded by creating what Mayor Ireton calls a “progressive revenue stream” according to the Daily Times? OK, please, don’t shout so loud, and what does “WTF” mean?
Property owners, and that could include homeowners, would contribute an annual fee – don’t call it a “tax” in public because that might make it invalid if challenged in court. But if you really love paying taxes to the City you can call it a disguised tax in the privacy of your home.
So, you may ask, would you get a property tax reduction for paying the “fee.” Now it’s my turn to shout at you -- “IDIOT!” The name of the game is “Feed the Beast” that thrives and grows faster and larger on any “progressive revenue stream” that it can get its claws into.
This could be the start of something big. With enough special revenue streams to feed enterprise funds – for roads, parks, you name it – Salisbury may never need to have another property tax increase.
I’m not making it up about a stormwater utility fee. That one was presented to the City Council for consideration at its work session yesterday. Don’t be surprised; didn’t someone tell us that “help is on the way”?
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
24 comments:
All of the local municipalities will be using this tactic. Why? It works. It is more taxation because WE ARE BANKRUPT. Our Country, our City, our County, our persons, etc etc etc.
This is a mess. The criminals in government (local and otherwise) are being taught by Wall Street how to get what you need from the public. Lie. Cheat. Steal.
Any questions?
WTF- want the fudge....
I guess it's getting ready to mold so they have to throw it out...:)
He is a Democrat isn't he. Raise taxes, increase government control, control the populous as they are inept to be able to take care of themselves.
Here we GROW (city government)again!
Salisbury: what's in your wallet, besides Ireton's hand?
Realtors love Salisbury -- home sales are coming as more folks head for higher ground elsewhere.
Hey Mr. Pollitt:
This has "slick trick for Rick" written all over it!
Ask yourself the question: where are these ideas coming from?
Is this Ireton's idea?
I doubt it. It is coming from outside. The question is who is on the inside presenting these types of ideas?
Qui Bono?
Ireton should take care of the wastewater treatment plant problems before taxing us more for this stuff.
Ireton knows that he's history if he asks for a tax increase, so we can expect to see these "enterprise fund" fees in increasing number and dollar amount, as well as further sewer and water rate increases.
It will be interesting to see if the 3 stooges on the Council back Jim-Beau on this. Shanie is already griping about "her people" having to pay more to the City. But my guess is that Bubba will support it, and Louweasel will unless she wants to be reelected in 2011. Cohen could also have reelection qualms.
R1...lol I love it!
(WBOC reports) UNDATED- Delmarva Power customers in Delaware could soon see an increase on their electrical bills.
On Friday, the utility filed a request with the Delaware Public Service Commission to authorize an increase on delivery rates to help cover operations, maintanence and capital investments.
For a residential customer with average usage, the total monthly bill would increase about $5.67 or 4.6 percent. The delivery rates are separate from the fuel (supply) rate.
Delmarva Power officials said a decision on the rate increase request is expected by May 2010. In the interim, the company said it will implement a 0.36 percent delivery rate increase, effective Nov. 17, which will be subject to refund following the PSC's review.
Joe, it is really hard paying the current price. With everything being electric in my home, I will be broke and out on the street. Why would the Delaware Public Service Commission vote to hike the rate during this economic slump?
Property development and business growth was quashed by impact fees that were supposed to maintain these utilities. Now property values will rapidly decline as people scramble to live outside of Salisbury - many outside of Maryland. Someday public officials will have to determine just what their role in the food chain is and what they can afford to do rather than setting up expensive, useless functions (PAC-14?) in easy money times and having nothing when the pendulum swings.
LOL Salisbury will do what they want. Keeps a worthless police chief in. The mayor hasnt done anything. 10 more years it will all look like Delaware Ave. Crappy
Jim:
I want my vote back NOW!
A 5 year subsidy for PAC 14, and now this "fee" -- why stay in Salisbury, or Wicomico County for that matter.
12:52 PM is absolutely right. Anyone who doesn't accept that taxes or fees are needed to pay for government services should move. They can go where there are no services or where the services have collapsed because no one would pay for them.
Even if Bubba and Louweasel oppose this, they will not get my vote.
Even if Cohen votes for it, she will still have my vote.
No single vote will buy my vote after a terrible record. No single vote will lose my vote after a record of real service.
1:18
What if we are too poor to move?
1:18 --
Wise up, chump -- you can go a few miles north (Sussex) or east (Worcester) And get the same services for a whole lot less in taxes. And just imagine when Ireton and Pollitt get done what Salisbarrie and Wicomico will be like.
Maybe it will pay to fix the one foot of standing water in my street when we get any kind of substantial rain...
Thought this was part of Glendenon's unfunded stormwater mandates
It takes a lot of nerve to charge a fee for mother nature's laws of physic. Does not GRAVITY do the job, without interference from man?
A tax by any other name is still a tax!
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