Time for new ideas on property taxes

William F. Meehan’s Feb. 1 letter (“Impact fees: New homes, owners should foot the bill”) reminded me of the good old times in the sixties, when my monthly payment for a $20,000 home was roughly the amount he cites for a $200,000 loan, now. This is very unfortunate, as the inaccurate reading of the mortgage tables tends to overshadow the true significance of the two points made by his piece: woefully inadequate impact fees, and property tax increase by reappraisal.

It could be said, that in a just society each person, or family, carries its own weight, as far as its impact on infrastructure, such as roads, water, power, and, government services, including schools, fire protection, police, libraries, etc. is concerned. That means that the thirty-year resident would rarely see a property tax increase, except to pay for new parks, sports arenas and the like. Adding the calculated figure up front to the mortgage of individuals, and using it as a basis for the impact fees charged to developers of commercial construction, condominiums and apartment buildings, seems appropriate. Naturally this cost would and should be passed on to homebuyers and renters. I think that aside from preventing much of the huge tax increases on established properties, this approach would encourage a healthy way to keep growth under control. Huge tax increase, you ask? The assessed value of my home has jumped 39 percent in two years. I bet the property tax will follow at the same rate. Dear Tim Eyman, is it possible you overlooked something?

Marysville

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Feb. 17

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

Comment: No one saw Musk’s DOGE rampage coming or its threat

With no formal grant of authority, Musk is making cuts without fully understanding the consequences.

Douthat: Trump is chasing off lawyers he’ll need at some point

The deal to clear Adams serves Trump only as a way of identify whom he can consider loyal in the DOJ.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, Feb. 16

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

President Donald Trump listens alongside Elon Musk as he explains the administration’s cost-cutting efforts in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. Musk has for weeks posted on social media about government spending, often amplifying and seeding false information. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
Comment: This crisis can’t be left to courts alone

The courts can uphold the law, but they can’t match the speed of the executive branch in tearing down systems.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

Stick with solutions to homelessness that have heart

A friend of mine, a poet from Leningrad who was born during… Continue reading

SAVE Act would restrict voting rights

As a mother, I am flabbergasted by the continued and increasing attacks… Continue reading

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.