West Valley View-
October 26, 2007

  Editor:

The bond information pamphlet from the T.U.H.S.D. states, “The bonds will be repaid from a levy of ad valorem property tax on all taxable property within the District.” An owner-occupied residence valued at $250,000 will be taxed approximately $37.50 (0.15 percent) per year for 14 years with a “not to exceed” 12 percent rate. Somebody do the math, please.

We have lived in Avondale for 15 years. Our September Maricopa County tax assessment for two Pendergast, two Tolleson, and one community college bonds and overrides total $1098 on our recently re-assessed value of $233,000. For those with “impound” accounts, call your lender.

Some of the “secondary” bonds a majority of Avondalers voted on stipulated “no tax increase to voters.” The West Valley View’s August edition reported a $410 million property tax levy issue for Goodyear residents. These monies are to “be used to pay down principal and interest on general obligation bonds…”

Don’t people understand interest has to be paid on purchased bonds? Their taxes will not increase because of the sale of the bonds, but their property taxes will increase because interest has to be paid and/or principal has to be paid down.

Do you feel your property taxes are too high? Development of residential and commercial buildings can be seen everywhere. That’s tax revenue, isn’t it? Why are some developers getting tax incentive breaks?

If Avondalers keep voting yes to be taxed more, we won’t be able to afford products and services from these businesses.

You can make a difference. There is another option to lowering your taxes. ArizonaTaxRevolt.org Petition No. C-14-2008, a statewide measure rollback of property tax valuations to 2003 and No. C-13-2008 limits tax levy increases to 2 percent. They need your registered voter signature. Go to their Web for the rep nearest you.

Jim and Sandy Nearing
Avondale