[Vision2020] City Taxes, again

[Bill Strand]

Hi Bob,

The word "development" is a broad term. You seem to be applying it
specifically to housing development. I must admit, I have very little
experience in this area and can't argue with your comments.

However, business development can be a different matter. New business
does not necessarily affect sewers, water use, schools, etc...

However, this is a long term investment. Don't expect an investment in
business development to lower your property taxes next year. Like any
good investment, it takes time to mature. But the alternative employers
in this town are the University, the City, the County, Gritman, etc...
All these entities pay no property taxes. As these grow, more and more
property will be removed from the tax rolls and your property taxes will
increase.

The universities are a great asset to this area. We would not have
founded our business here without the universities. But there are
negative aspects to depending upon them for our local economy - the
primary one being high property taxes. The universities must be balanced
with a healthy business community.

Bill Strand