Scott G and Honza P from Pros and Cons both take issue with my views on Amendment 2 on today’s Alabama ballot (which I discuss here). Both raise legitimate issues: Scott notes that while Amendment 2 doesn’t require a tax increase (because counties could decrease sales taxes), it probably will be a tax increase and Honza argues that since the voting only affects some voters, but not all, it is problematic for a voter in an unaffected country to vote at all.
In regards to Honza’s objection, I take the point. But as I said in a comment at Pros and Cons, to paraphrase Rumsfeld: you engage in politics with the Constitution you have, not the Constitution you would like to have. These are the conditions under which we currently operate. I would love to replace the 1901 Constitution and make these issues all about home rule. Indeed, there was an attempt by Montgomery County to address this issue itself, but the State Legislature blocked it (long story). So, the issue at the moment is the validity of the amendment, not the process itself, which is a debate for another day.
In regards to Scott’s objection, he is correct. However, I would note that most that any given country will have taxes go up a maximum of $30 per 100,000 valuation of a house per year.
Here’s the current millage list for the school systems in question:
Source: here.
I’m really glad you posted that list. I’ve been wanting to see such a list but didn’t know where to find one.
Comment by Jan — Tuesday, November 7, 2024 @ 10:32 am
Dr. Taylor, this maybe a stupid question, but what is a Mill?
Comment by Lisa — Tuesday, November 7, 2024 @ 1:35 pm
It refers to a thousandth of the value.
Hence: 10 mils on $100,000 in value equals $100 in taxes.
Comment by Dr. Steven Taylor — Tuesday, November 7, 2024 @ 1:38 pm
it’s short for millage rate.
Comment by Dr. Steven Taylor — Tuesday, November 7, 2024 @ 1:39 pm
I thought I might be windmills or grain mills in each county.
Comment by Lisa — Tuesday, November 7, 2024 @ 1:41 pm
[...] “10 mils is nothing.” Well, according to Steven (and I believe him), the maximum increase for any given school district (note: not county, school district — remember, Amendment 2 applies to city and county schools systems. Steven only lists out the counties.) is about $30 per $100,000 worth of property tax. O.k., let’s say I come around to your house once a year and demand $30. I’m simply demanding you give me $30 for the year. Would you give it to me? You would probably meet me at the door with the firearm of your choice. Why? Because you don’t like being forced to give your money away for something you didn’t decide to spend the money on. Ten mils is nothing. Principles, especially in politics, are everything. That’s why the Republicans are going to take such a bath today. [...]
Pingback by Pros and Cons » More Amendment Two — Tuesday, November 7, 2024 @ 3:47 pm
County-by-county results
Looking at Poliblog’s list of counties affected by Amendment 2 on yesterday’s election and Al.com’s county by county election results, I compiled this list.
Trackback by Irrational Woman — Wednesday, November 8, 2024 @ 9:17 pm