Now regarded mostly as a free domain for private sector to use, cities are still responsible to extract or purchase such from property owners. This independent approach fosters the risk of accidents and displacement of critical public services. A supplemental long term issue is the diminishment of a valuable resource with contractors using ROW space with no planning or coordination. Property Tax exemptions Oppose further exemptions for property taxes. Over the years, the property tax base has been eroded by various exemptions.
Exemptions are numerous and varied.
Some proposals are very specific to targeted groups and some are broad sweeping exemptions. Yet in the end, once granted, the exemptions diminish the availability of cities to manage a reasonable tax rate to fund needed city services. Sales and Use tax exemptions Oppose the reduction in sales tax receipts to cities. This past legislative session saw the passage of a no sales tax weekend for school related purchases. While extremely successful for private enterprise, the loss of sales tax receipts to cities does have financial consequences.