County property taxes are often the highest of all taxes and ones we may not like to pay. This bill gives you quite a scare sometimes. This is because these taxes are really high these days. However, they vary greatly depending on the area in which you reside and the state in which you live.
I am sure you are wondering what is the need for this tax. Why do we pay it? Where is this money used?
Well, you’d be glad to know that a large portion of these taxes are kept in our local communities, especially for our benefit. This money is diversified into fields like education, police and fire fighting facilities etc.
While some local city and county property taxes are given to the state, in almost all areas at least 90% of the property taxes we pay remain local and benefit our community as a whole. Even in the income of the state, they only form a meager portion.
Below are the most common uses of county property taxes.
1. Schools
In most areas of the nation, more than half of every dollar paid in county property tax is used to fund the local school district. In fact, this is the single most important source of revenue for local school districts in several states. These schools use tax money to buy books, pay staff and teachers’ salaries, maintain school buildings and buses, etc.
2. Highways
The money paid as county property tax is used extensively for road maintenance. All kinds of minor repairs and other requirements such as widening of roads to maintain proper functioning are attended.
3. Police and fire support
City and county property taxes are also used to fund our sheriff’s salaries. Additionally, in most cases, our local police and fire departments use this money to support the necessary infrastructure required for these services, such as buildings and vehicles.
4. Public Libraries
It is a lesser known fact that most libraries are maintained by the county. Therefore, county property taxes are used as primary funds for building maintenance and staff salaries. Then, of course, it is this taxpayer money that is used to buy new books for the library.
5. Hospitals
Sometimes government-operated hospitals must be closed due to losses. But it is always in the interest of the community to have a nearby hospital in the same neighborhood. So taxpayers have to pay a certain amount for this facility. A portion of the county property tax we pay goes to hospitals that suffer losses to keep them afloat.
6.County government
And, among essential uses, county property taxes fund local county government. They use this money to maintain office space and to pay administrative salaries.
Now, the next time you use community services, remember that your money is being used. It is your civic duty to see how every dollar is spent. Control unnecessary expenses. And always remember that the county property tax is the only tax that benefits you the most individually.