|
Pinal
officials: growth brings higher taxes,
more crime
By J.C. Huntington Posted to PoisonedWells.com July 8, 2001
According to Pinal County officials, the county's population boom contributes to higher taxes and increased crime. Over the last 10 years the county budget has almost doubled, growing from $89.7 million to the currently projected $175.1 million, for a total increase of 195%. During that same period, property taxes have gone up about 8% per year for a total increase of over 215%. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors have set a tentative budget for fiscal year 2001-2002 of $175.1 million, a 23% increase from last year's $134.8 million budget. District One Supervisor Sandie Smith explained to The Apache Junction News that much of the budget increase was necessary because of the 54.4 percent increase in county population over the last 10 years. Pinal grew from 116,329 in 1990 to 179,727 in 2000. Property taxes provide the second largest source of revenue to cover county expenditures. The amount of property tax is figured on the assessed valuation of property in the county. The primary rate used to compute the Pinal property tax ranges from $4.10 to $4.90 per $100 of assessed value and is the highest in Arizona. While the primary rate has remain unchanged since 1984, Pinal County's property valuation has increased every year along with increased real estate prices. As demand for land grows, real estate prices rise. As real estate prices rise, so do the property valuations; when the property valuations go up, property taxes go up. According to Pinal County Manager Dr. Stanley Griffis, property valuations in Pinal County have increased approximately 8% per year for the past 10 years. An 8% per year increase in property taxes compounded over 10 years is equal to a total increase of over 215%. Terry Doolittle, Pinal deputy county manager, explained to the Casa Grande Dispatch that population increases result in increased crime and increased costs. "Along with population increases comes increases in crime," said Doolittle. "Whenever someone is arrested who cannot afford a lawyer, we have to either make a public defender available to that person or pay for a court-appointed attorney. We're also responsible for prosecuting the individual and while we're doing it, we've got to feed, clothe and house them. Of course, if they're found guilty, then we have the costs of keeping them in the county or state prison for the term of their incarceration." Doolittle also pointed out that the county continues to have increases in long-term-care payments to the state. This year the increase amounts to about $1.4 million, partially due to an influx of residents to the county. Related Stories
|
Use
The 'Back' Button On Your Browser
To
Return To Previous Page
News
& Information
Introduction
email:mekazda@mindspring.com