Oddbean new post about | logout
 We agree that services should not be provided free of charge. That’s why I make the case for property tax as unfair- it pays for schools, roads, fire, police, etc that all local citizens benefit from but not all pay towards. A local flat fee would better serve these funding wants from government.

In the case of property tax funding services other than property protection, I’m fine with that, especially if the property owners agree, but I’m not fine with everyone getting a vote on those issues. I live in CA, and every election cycle we vote on local bonds that fund a school building, road maintenance, etc. These bonds are repaid thru property tax increases. 100% of local voters get a vote, but only ~60% of us own property. That’s problematic imo. 
 Sure, I'm not sure I agree that all of those additional services have nothing to do with protecting property.

You want people near your property to be safe, educated, and happy if you want to maximize your property's value and the enjoyment you can get from owning it.