[Regarding “Buncombe Unveils Proposed Budget with Modest Bump for Schools,” May 24, Xpress:]
Higher taxes spent on nonproductive programs continue to drive taxpaying residents out of the city. Much like the federal government, prudent tax policies must be undertaken.
— Dick Domann
The Villages, Fla.
formerly of Asheville
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we’ve never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.
9 thoughts on “Letter: A pitch for prudent tax policies”
Expecting services without paying taxes is not prudent. Enjoy being home in Sanctimonious Florida.
He didn’t say anything about not paying taxes- he said paying taxes on nonproductive services.
Let’s face it, he didn’t really say much of anything! Nothing in the way of examples or specifics.
I agree he wasn’t specific. And I agree with his sentiment and don’t think you need a diatribe to get it.
Asheville residential property taxes are absurd compared to surrounding cities/towns that have little valuable commercial to offset the residential. Massive tax revenue increases over the last decade as the council just rode the property assessment elevator up. Rates should be much, much lower.
OTOH, if you’re going to hell, The Villages looks like a good place to start and ease your way in.
I’m curious about this claim. My understanding is that our property taxes are far lower than other urban areas in North Carolina, and even about 20% lower than they were when I first moved here in 1999, as a percentage of property value. Am I mistaken in this understanding?
You are very much mistaken. City of Asheville prop taxes are substantially higher than many other regional cities. In some cases almost double.
Yeah, they aren’t too bad. I mean Mars Hill or Johnson City probably have lower taxes but you know… then you have to live there. People just like to complain. The plus side is we get some people to move TO Florida rather than getting folks moving here FROM Florida.
Have fun in your retirement community! You’ll be missed! Personally I don’t find the taxes here too onerous but life is full of choices 🙂