Why your property taxes keep rising
Do you wonder why your property taxes keep rising? Over the past few years, voters have heard the term “downshifting.” This word is only shorthand to explain the State of New Hampshire sloughing off its financial burdens to the counties, cities and towns, forcing property taxpayers to pay these obligations instead.
As an example, when the state wanted to have all municipalities switch to the state retirement system for school, fire, town and police personnel, the state promised to pay 35% of the cost in return. The municipalities did switch, and the state then proceeded to cut the amount it paid into the retirement system every few years, and now pays nothing. This is nothing short of “bait and switch.” As it did so, the state cut taxes for the wealthy citizens and businesses, so that the revenue would not be available to pay the state’s share. The obligation remains, however, and property taxpayers are now forced to pay, through local taxes, the financial share of the state.
This is but one example of many, which include revenue sharing, adequacy grants, school construction costs, etc. It’s past time for voters to understand just why their property taxes are going up and to hold the state responsible for its fair share of these commitments.
Remember, your vote is your voice. Be sure you are registered to vote, and then vote!