Hurting Utah’s economy by restraining free trade
Mayor Corroon proposes to create more jobs in Utah by paying more than is necessary. He wants to “require major firms that win state contracts to subcontract a substantial
portion of the work to Utah businesses.” On its face, that sounds like a reasonable requirement. However, as the great French economist Frederic Bastiat noted, what is unseen is usually more important than what is seen. The problem with this proposal is that it guarantees that Utah
taxpayers will pay more than is necessary. If major firms are already subcontracting with Utah firms, this requirement doesn’t matter. Those Utah companies are subcontractors because they offered the best value for the money. So Mayor Corroon’s proposal only matters where a Utah
company doesn’t offer the best value for the money. Mayor Corroon, though, thinks Utah taxpayers should pay more, just because a company is from Utah. Paying one contractor more
means Utah must provide fewer services elsewhere. That isn’t economic development; it’s warmed over protectionism.
Mayor Corroon has some good ideas. Creating a positive climate for private investment is good economic policy, as is the apparent goal of ending RDA abuse. Unfortunately, those
laudable goals are outweighed by the Corroon tax, property tax increases, his support for UTOPIA, and his devotion to protectionism.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Thousands not paying bill for Unified Police service (Thank you Salt Lake County Democrats!)
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Is there a revolt brewing in unincorporated Salt Lake County? The County reports 12,900 people have not paid their 2nd bill for the police service. Many of those also did not pay the first bill earlier this year.
The county estimates the total amount delinquent: $1.7 million.
The controversial fee was instituted to cover an estimated $13-million budget shortfall for the new, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake. Residents pay a flat fee three times a year, but business owners pay a varied rate based on type of business.
The official explanation for the delinquencies from Salt Lake County officials: People just do not understand the new fee. Another possible explanation: The bad economy. Those same officials discount the idea of a protest.
While Howard Stephenson of the Utah Taxpayers Association has not heard of an organized tax protest, he said anger over the fee is understandable. While not opposed to all fees, Stephenson said the association has opposed the police fee from the beginning. "Water and sewer? That's fine. Garbage? That's fine. If I use three dumpsters, then charge me for them. But Police protection? That's a common good that ought to be billed uniformly through the property tax and the sales tax, not through a user fee," said Stephenson.
The Utah Taxpayer Association is asking for donations to fund a legal challenge to the county's police fee. Stephenson said, "We would be alleging that the county does not have the authority to impose -- under the constitution -- this type of user fee."
In the meantime, the county is hoping to reduce the number of delinquencies. While the late fee on payments was waved the first time, it will not be waved this time. Homeowners have until the end of August to pay up before a 10% penalty is imposed.
If that doesn't work, the county could also yank the business licenses of non-paying companies or place a lien on the homes of residents who refuse to pay.
The county estimates the total amount delinquent: $1.7 million.
The controversial fee was instituted to cover an estimated $13-million budget shortfall for the new, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake. Residents pay a flat fee three times a year, but business owners pay a varied rate based on type of business.
The official explanation for the delinquencies from Salt Lake County officials: People just do not understand the new fee. Another possible explanation: The bad economy. Those same officials discount the idea of a protest.
While Howard Stephenson of the Utah Taxpayers Association has not heard of an organized tax protest, he said anger over the fee is understandable. While not opposed to all fees, Stephenson said the association has opposed the police fee from the beginning. "Water and sewer? That's fine. Garbage? That's fine. If I use three dumpsters, then charge me for them. But Police protection? That's a common good that ought to be billed uniformly through the property tax and the sales tax, not through a user fee," said Stephenson.
The Utah Taxpayer Association is asking for donations to fund a legal challenge to the county's police fee. Stephenson said, "We would be alleging that the county does not have the authority to impose -- under the constitution -- this type of user fee."
In the meantime, the county is hoping to reduce the number of delinquencies. While the late fee on payments was waved the first time, it will not be waved this time. Homeowners have until the end of August to pay up before a 10% penalty is imposed.
If that doesn't work, the county could also yank the business licenses of non-paying companies or place a lien on the homes of residents who refuse to pay.
Tom Barberi Rants Against Unified Police Tax.
Barberi Rages In 'A Return To Reason' | Salt TV Network
Click the link to view Barberi's rant.
It looks like the rage towards Salt Lake County for the Unified Police Tax has even frustrated legendary liberal members of our community. The tax that apparently Thousands not paying bill for Unified Police service because of the ridiculous burden it poses.
But of course our dear Salt Lake City Council and Mayor Peter Corroon reject the discourse that this really is a "tax" at all by insisting that it is called a "service fee."
Tom Barberi, thank you for feeling our pain.
Click the link to view Barberi's rant.
It looks like the rage towards Salt Lake County for the Unified Police Tax has even frustrated legendary liberal members of our community. The tax that apparently Thousands not paying bill for Unified Police service because of the ridiculous burden it poses.
But of course our dear Salt Lake City Council and Mayor Peter Corroon reject the discourse that this really is a "tax" at all by insisting that it is called a "service fee."
Tom Barberi, thank you for feeling our pain.
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