Quad Cities Watchdog Sniffing out government's lack of common sense

Property Taxes In Scott County Expected To Rise

You probably already know that properties value here in the Quad Cities haven't changed all that much. There have been some foreclosures but nothing to really write home to Mom. That's the good news; prepare yourself for the bad news.

Property owners, according to Scott County Assessor Dale Denklau and Davenport Assessor Becky Eiting, could face higher property taxes next year because of several factors. When speaking to government officials like Denkalu, Eiting, and others you will hear that the State may change the rollback factor to increase to a higher percentage. Of course, local tax bodies like city governments can offset this change by adjusting lower their tax levies to keep our taxes at about the same level.

Now, what you don't hear is the REASON for the changes and that means we as citizens must dig deeper into the story. Well, considering the State of Iowa, like 45 other States, is facing a budget deficit for the current and next fiscal years. In fact, for the FY2009 Iowa is facing a $134 million deficit that the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities projects say will rise to $779 million for next years budget. Don't worry folks, things may look bad, but we're the government and we're here to help. If you would like more information about Iowa's budget woes you can find a great in-depth story here.

So because we as citizens have been working hard, keeping up our homes values by improving them and keeping them in good repair, and trying to do the right thing it is our State & Local Governments who are going to PUNISH us for our efforts.  They have spent themselves silly and mismanaged our tax money and this is the thanks we get for it.

Please join me and write our State representatives and let them know exactly how you feel about the change in the rollback factor, the increase in property taxes, and finally how they've mismanaged our tax dollars and caused this whole mess.  You can find the contact information below:

Governor Chet Culver & Lt. Governor Patty Judge

Legislators (find your district's rep and contact them)

If you would like more information on how Iowa Property Taxes work you can find that explanation here.

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