Byron and I drove to our county seat today to pay our taxes and we did so with a smile. WHY, you say ? Because we are grateful that :
…..we own property when so many don’t
…..we have vehicles that get us there and back
…..we have law enforcement who protect us from the ” bad guys ”
…..we have fire departments that , heaven forbid, respond if needed
…..we have emergency responders who save lives , maybe ours one day
…..we have county/city employees who clean, repair, and maintain our public spaces
…..and we have city/county office staff who keep our county running day by day
…..we have local officials that we elect who make tough decisions day in and day out—-and never satisfy everybody
…..we have schools that do more than educate our children ; they ensure the quality of life in our community
…..we have the freedom to NOT own property and therefore pay no property taxes
…..and others to ponder .
And add to that the friendly, professional , and efficient staff in the Tax Commissioner’s office.
DISCLAIMER : my smiles are for property taxes at the local level. As a non-partisan, moderate independent, I find the situation at the national level , at the very least, disheartening. Adults who are elected to represent their constituency in all matters, including, but not limited to, spending, but instead spend their time in-fighting over agendas, give me no reason to smile. Enough said !
But let me be clear. I believe that the value received for our local tax money far outweighs the amount paid. In other words, IT’S A DEAL…………………..
Love this one!! Certainly puts it into perspective!! Thank you for your “wise”words from woods!
I appreciate this ! So often we forget value as we get lost in cost.
Love you bunches,,,,,,,,
What you have said is likely true of any well managed counties and states. And I would say that Georgia, with its balanced budget law, is one of the best states in the nation when it comes to using its fiscal resources. Unfortunately, my home county does not fall into the column of well managed governments. Our tax dollars are very poorly used with poor forward-looking planning. Without good vision by wise leadership the situation will not be changing.
So sorry to hear that about a county that I have loved through the years——and home for our oldest granddaughter and her husband. Dianne Fleeman made a similar comment. I’ve often said that if taxpayers could state on their payment exactly what they wanted their money to go to, changes would often occur !