Potential 9% Increase in County Tax

[Resident 2B]

I just read in the LaDa Sun on-line that there are folks in the Belknap County government that are proposing a 9% increase in the county tax.

This has to be the most bizarre idea I have heard coming from a group of government officials. Do they realize what is going on in this economy and in the country as a whole? A 9% increase in an economy that is growing at less than 3%? Time for a huge reality check.

Here is a link to the article: http://laconiadailysun.com/index.php...llision-course

Contact these fiscally irresponsible officials and let them know they need to find a way to manage their budget within reasonable bounds or they will be voted out.

R2B

[fatlazyless]

Besides and beyond the 9% county increase on your prop tax bill for 2013, the county is also considering to build a Belknap County jail or prison for about 42-million dollars which would add something like 2-million dollars/year in added expense without including repaying the municiple bond mortgage on the 42-million dollar new jail construction.

All these high property taxes make not owning any property a better choice and to consider just to be a renter. As a renter, the property tax is the landlord's responsibility, and the rental market basically seems to gets subsidized by the landlords ...... or something?

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Besides and beyond the 9% county increase on your prop tax bill for 2013, the county is also considering to build a Belknap County jail or prison for about 42-million dollars which would add something like 2-million dollars/year in added expense without including repaying the municiple bond mortgage on the 42-million dollar new jail construction.

All these high property taxes make not owning any property a better choice and to consider just to be a renter. As a renter, the property tax is the landlord's responsibility, and the rental market basically seems to gets subsidized by the landlords ...... or something?

Come on are you that out of touch?????
Do you seriously think the landlord is paying the taxes, it is passed on in the rent along with all the other things we pay as homeowners.
On average it cost the same or less to own as it does rent. Most of those renting either have poor credit for whatever reason, do not have jobs that meet qualifications or just choose to pay rent and not be bothered with what goes along with home ownership.
I'll tell you, it was a lot easier renting then it is owning.
My oldest son pays less to own his home then my youngest does to rent, in the same town.

[songkrai]

I hope that this does not turn into a renter versus landlord debate.

Back to the original post.

I don't get it.

What happened to the large grounds and building complex on Parade Road in Laconia? Wasn't that some sort of jail or prison?

Now someone is proposing a new county jail?

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Resident 2B

I just read in the LaDa Sun on-line that there are folks in the Belknap County government that are proposing a 9% increase in the county tax.

This has to be the most bizarre idea I have heard coming from a group of government officials. Do they realize what is going on in this economy and in the country as a whole? A 9% increase in an economy that is growing at less than 3%? Time for a huge reality check.

Here is a link to the article: http://laconiadailysun.com/index.php...llision-course

Contact these fiscally irresponsible officials and let them know they need to find a way to manage their budget within reasonable bounds or they will be voted out.

R2B

Get used to it folks. Taxes in this country are going to be going up on all levels until we start cutting spending. The liberal politicians will promise only to tax the "rich" but the numbers to support run away spending only work when the masses pay as well.

[mcdude]

More than you ever wanted to know about county taxes

Reps & commissioners on collision course over county budget

Written by Michael Kitch

LACONIA —The Belknap County Commission appears willing to reduce the projected 9 percent increase in the county property tax assessment by applying a portion of the undesignated fund balance against the amount to be raised in 2013. But, members of the county convention seem bent not only on trimming the total appropriation recommended by the commission but also on challenging its authority to decide how the money is spent.
''It appears we're going to be dipping into that (the fund balance)'' County Administrator Debra Shackett told a subcommittee of the Belknap County Delegation Friday morning in the first of four budget review sessions held yesterday. Likewise, the subject was discussed when the commission met earlier last week.
In last year's budget, the county used $3,750,000 of fund balance, which accrues from excess revenues and unexpended appropriations, to offset property taxes. The commissioners have proposed using only $2.1 million this year, in order to improve the county's credit rating, which is AA+ with "a negative outlook," by strengthening the fund balance.
The commission has insisted that the projected increase in taxes is the result of reducing the use of fund balance, not increased spending, explaining that if another $1-million of fund balance were applied the tax increase would be just two-percent.
Meanwhile, the tension between the convention and the commission aroused before Christmas when news leaked that some Republicans, meeting in the privacy of a caucus, talked of cutting $1.5-million from the budget and paring 20-percent from the payroll, increased during daylong meetings between sub-committees of the convention and department heads yesterday.
While considering the budget of the Register of Deeds the sub-committee chaired by Representative Frank Tilton (R-Laconia) learned that some $5,000 in legal fees incurred in the course of litigation between the register and the commission remained unpaid, but were not included in the budget. County Administrator Debra Shackett explained that the dispute, which arose over compliance with recommendations of the independent auditors, was settled, but the legal costs were not addressed by the settlement. She said that the commissioners concluded that paying would not be an appropriate use of county funds.
When Representative Richard Burchell (R-Gilmanton) proposed adding a line item to the Register's budget, Shackett replied that the authority of the convention to raise or lower appropriations is limited and does not extend to specific line items.
"I dispute that," Burchell said flatly.
The commission relies on the state statute (RSA 24:15) which stipulates that "unless otherwise ordered by the county convention . . . whenever it appears that the amount appropriated for a specific purpose will not be used in whole or in part for such purpose, the county commissioners my use such sum to augment other appropriations, if necessary, provided the total payments of all purposes do not exceed the total sum of appropriations."
The commissioners contend that their authority to transfer monies from one line item to another, which is essential to managing the budget, effectively trumps the authority of the convention to add, delete, raise or lower particular line items in the budget.
Rep. Colette Worsman (R-Meredith), who chairs the county convention, shares Burchell's opinion. "Absolutely we have line item authority," she said yesterday.
Worsman conceded that the convention has not exercised its authority for some time, but insisted that "it's up to the delegation. We have the authority to take that role back."
Following the Republican caucus in December, the budget process followed by the convention has also been questioned. In the past, the sub-committees assigned to the different sections of the budget met with the appropriate department head, reviewed the proposed appropriations and presented a recommendation to the full convention. This year Worsman directed the sub-committees not to take votes or make recommendations.
This did not sit well with Representative Dennis Fields (R-Sanbornton), who served on the sub-committee reviewing so-called "outside agencies," like the Belknap Economic Development Council, Genesis Behavioral Health and Community Action Program. "Why not vote to approve these budgets in sub-committee he asked?" When Representative Bob Luther (R-Laconia) replied he was acting on orders, Fields asked "whose orders," but got no answer.
"This doesn't make a lot of sense to me," Fields continued. He called the process a "disservice to the people" and, recalling the caucus in December, suggested it was a ploy "so we can go make a big budget cut. I got a feeling that's what's happening here and I don't like it."
As Fields said that he walked out of the caucus because "it was wrong," Representative Jane Cormier (R-Alton) interrupted to say "this should be dealt with in our . . . " only to be cut short by Fields who insisted "no! it has to be dealt with in public."
At the urging of Fields, the sub-committee proceeded to vote on each of the appropriations for "outside agencies," which together totaled $995,264, unanimously recommending them all.
Worsman said that she changed the budget process to "save the taxpayers money" by reducing the number of meetings, for which representatives are entitled to mileage payments. "My goal was to consolidate it," she said.
Apart from the sub-committee meetings yesterday, the convention is scheduled to meet again on Friday, January 18, when members will tour the Belknap County Courthouse. The convention may also address the budget afterwards, but the agenda for the day has yet to set.
The convention is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the budget on Monday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. at county complex. A final vote on the budget could come as early as that evening, which would be a couple of months earlier than the norm.
Worsman denied rumors that she has prepared an alternative county budget. "I have my own ideas," she said, "but not a complete budget." Likewise, she rejected the suggestion that she intended to reduce the budget by $1.5-million. "We can't do a $1.5-million cut. I have no final numbers." She said that she did not know if there would be another Republican caucus. Responding to what Fields said, she remarked "I could not guess what he meant."

[rsmlp]

New Hampshire, formerly a bastion of common sense amongst a sea of crazies, is quickly moving to the "dark side". it's only a matter of time before state income tax becomes a reality. in the meantime. property tax increases above trend are all too common. you get what you ask for. NH voters put these whackos in office.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by rsmlp

New Hampshire, formerly a bastion of common sense amongst a sea of crazies, is quickly moving to the "dark side". it's only a matter of time before state income tax becomes a reality. in the meantime. property tax increases above trend are all too common. you get what you ask for. NH voters put these whackos in office.

I couldn't agree more, everyone knew what path our elected officials were going down, now that all the promises have been made and the truth sets in both sides are beginning to see how things are going to work.
Until term limits are placed on all elected officials nothing is going to change. It isn't one side that is screwing up this country it is both sides and their inability to even want to work together.
Hey if nothing else at least NH seems to have some turn around. Many of the states around us just keep electing the same corrupt politicians over and over again. I give up!!!

[songkrai]

All is the same here there and most everywhere.
Few if any attend county meetings.

I have seen the ballot too many times where folks run unopposed.
Folks that work and have families don't have the time to attend or run for office. Retired many are too tired to go to meetings.

View what they did in Carroll County Home.
The original building was constructed in 1968.
Complaint was roof leaked.
New metal roof installed.
Then they had prisoners shoveling the new metal roof as all were concerned with snow load. Imagine - metal roof - and men on it shoveling roof. A new roof.
You have to wonder who makes these decisions. How could they put on a new roof that was not able to handle NH snow? And the roof leaked from day one.
So what do they do? They decide to build a new building. Not fix the 1968 building.
And what is built? Not the $17 million dollar plan - but the $23 million dollar Holiday Inn.
And look at the court house. Metal detectors were an afterthought.

All of us continue to elect these people who think money is free.

Whether you like it or not. An income tax will come. There will be fits and screams. But at some point the property taxpayer will trump all and the complaints by real estate tax folks will be paramount. There will be a straw that breaks the camels back.

[secondcurve]

I awoke to find that our illustrious Massachusetts governor will be recommending an income tax hike later today to cover increased spending!!! Don't put in a state income tax, the liberals will tax and spend you to death!

[HomeWood]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

I awoke to find that our illustrious Massachusetts governor will be recommending an income tax hike later today to cover increased spending!!! Don't put in a state income tax, the liberals will tax and spend you to death!

Agreed! Once it's there it will be there forever. And you know property taxes won't be reduced either.

[secondcurve]

It's been a bad morning and I haven't even got out the door. I logged into by Bank of America checking account and found that I am now being assessed a $25.00 monthly fee for the free checking account I have had for the past 20-years.

As many know, the government has been hammering banks like BofA with lawsuits and regulations since they have taken all the blame for the greedy, incompetent borrowers who were irresponsible and couldn't pay their home loans back during the recession. How do the Banks increase revenue to offset governmental costs? You guessed it, charge the ones who can afford to pay more for basic services like checking accounts.

[Slickcraft]

Is nothing sacred?

CONCORD, NH (CBS) – The New Hampshire legislature is considering a bill that would raise the excise tax on beer by ten cents per gallon, a 33 percent increase.

The bill, currently in committee, is sponsored by Rep. Charles Weed (D – Keene).

It would increase the excise tax on any beer that’s sold in New Hampshire to 40 cents per gallon.

If the bill is approved, New Hampshire would surpass Maine’s 35 cents per gallon to become the highest beer tax in New England.

[HomeWood]

Time to close that account and move, secondcurve. Are there any credit unions near by? My bank (Suntrust) was going to start that BS, but they changed it to keep a minimum balance or use direct deposit and the account would remain "free".

Government looking out for the little guy again, right?

[SIKSUKR]

It all starts at the top.Its only going to get much worse.You wanted it,you got it.

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

Is nothing sacred?

Governor Hassan has said that she will veto any attempt to increase taxes on beer!!!

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by mcdude

Governor Hassan has said that she will veto any attempt to increase taxes on beer!!!

Hate Bud, but here we go anyways....

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

It's been a bad morning and I haven't even got out the door. I logged into by Bank of America checking account and found that I am now being assessed a $25.00 monthly fee for the free checking account I have had for the past 20-years.

As many know, the government has been hammering banks like BofA with lawsuits and regulations since they have taken all the blame for the greedy, incompetent borrowers who were irresponsible and couldn't pay their home loans back during the recession. How do the Banks increase revenue to offset governmental costs? You guessed it, charge the ones who can afford to pay more for basic services like checking accounts.

You do not list your location but Laconia Savings or Bank of NH has been great for us.
Of course we never use them for loans, for those it is Granite State credit union. We are looking to switch over the the credit union for everything. Yes the closest location is Concord but well worth the extra drive for the benefits and service we get.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Hate Bud, but here we go anyways....

Small victory considering some of the things she doesn't support.

And for gods sake will somebody tell that lady to get some teeth whitening products. I do not remember ever seeing someone in the spotlight with such brown teeth.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

Small victory considering some of the things she doesn't support.

And for gods sake will somebody tell that lady to get some teeth whitening products. I do not remember ever seeing someone in the spotlight with such brown teeth.

Congratulations, with that remark you have won this weeks "Buffon" award.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Congratulations, with that remark you have won this weeks "Buffon" award.

To each their own, you would think that someone who spent how many dollars running for office could take better care of themselves.
When you are in the spot light personal appearance IS everything.
Sorry you do not agree but if she is in front of a camera with ugly brown teeth it says very little for hygiene.
FYI, I'm not the only one who has noticed and commented on it in public.

[nhboat61]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

It's been a bad morning and I haven't even got out the door. I logged into by Bank of America checking account and found that I am now being assessed a $25.00 monthly fee for the free checking account I have had for the past 20-years.

As many know, the government has been hammering banks like BofA with lawsuits and regulations since they have taken all the blame for the greedy, incompetent borrowers who were irresponsible and couldn't pay their home loans back during the recession. How do the Banks increase revenue to offset governmental costs? You guessed it, charge the ones who can afford to pay more for basic services like checking accounts.

I dumped them and Wells Fargo for the same reason. Went to my credit union at work..very happy with .

[gtagrip]

Originally Posted by mcdude

Governor Hassan has said that she will veto any attempt to increase taxes on beer!!!

Where have I heard that before regarding any type of tax?

[MAXUM]

Why is there even a need for a county government in the first place?

NH is such a small state I don't understand why all of what each county does can't be rolled into their counterparts at the state level.

[tis]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Why is there even a need for a county government in the first place?

NH is such a small state I don't understand why all of what each county does can't be rolled into their counterparts at the state level.

I agree with you. A lot of what the counties do is duplicated.