Eliminating property taxes doesn't end services or the costs

Eliminating property taxes sounds great. But its elimination isn’t the same as eliminating the cost.

Property taxes fund schools, fire, emergency services, roads and other essential services we rely on every day. Those costs don’t disappear. The money must come from somewhere.

Scott Herndon says his plan wouldn’t increase sales or income tax rates. Instead, he is banking on economic growth to generate enough state revenue to replace property taxes. That’s a big gamble when Idaho just made significant budget cuts because of revenue concerns. Most state programs were cut 4% this year and 5% next year.

There’s also local control. Property taxes stay local, funding services determined by our communities. Shifting that responsibility to state revenue puts more control in Boise. North Idaho’s needs aren’t the same as southern or eastern Idaho’s. Local dollars and decisions should remain local.

And if economic growth falls short, what then? Greater reliance on sales taxes would disproportionately burden working and lower-income families.

Instead, expand Idaho’s homeowner exemption, which hasn’t kept pace with rising home values, providing meaningful relief to people who actually live here while ensuring investment and vacation properties pay their share.

KARI SACCOMANNO

Sandpoint