ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, August 27, 1996 TAG: 9608270065
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
AT OR near the top in Virginians' catalog of hated taxes is the personal-property tax. Understandably, too, since local governments impose the tax on owners of cars, trucks, boats, etc., for years after the property was bought and a hefty sales tax was paid.
Oh, the rejoicing if Gov. George Allen's new tax-study commission would recommend eliminating the dratted add-on ad infinitum tax.
Before marching on Richmond to demand its repeal, though, local residents might want to consider which local-government services they're willing to sacrifice. Which calls to the police can be ignored? Which schools can wait a few more years for air conditioning? Whose neighborhood can do with less-frequent garbage pickup and snow removal?
These are questions local-governing bodies might have to consider if the personal-property tax is repealed. Cutting waste, fraud and abuse goes only so far. Like it or not, the hated tax, typically the second-largest source of localities' revenue, helps pay for many services.
For the moment, at least, the question that should be concerning Virginians is simpler: Does Allen's tax-study panel even give a hoot about local impact?
After appointing the commission to examine state and local tax policies, the governor basically mandated it to find ways to reduce local taxes. A fine objective. Trouble is, the 39-member group doesn't include any representatives of local-governing bodies. These are folks who could provide a reality check when the personal-property tax and other potential targets for cuts are put on the table.
They also could talk about potential effects of shifting costs from the federal government to states and localities. To leave them out of the deliberations is to invite shortsighted decisions, whatever their political popularity.
It isn't too late to correct the oversight.
LENGTH: Short : 41 linesby CNB