We all know what happens when we assume.  Or do we?  When the city of Miami decided to spend $487 million to help the Miami Marlins build a new stadium, thousands of taxpayers were unhappy.  When the city of Miami decided to spend another $100 million to build new parking garages for the stadium, thousands of taxpayers were downright angry.  Now those same taxpayers are furious because the city may be stuck with the property tax liability on the parking garages, to the tune of potentially $1.2 million per year.

Apparently the city assumed the parking garages would be exempt from property taxes since they were being funded and owned by the city.  However, according to Florida statutes property must be used solely for public purposes in order to be exempt from property taxes.  In this case the garages have been leased to the Marlins, who plan to charge for parking.  Not exactly a public purpose.

The Marlins, on the other hand, did not assume anything.  They made sure to include a clause in their contract with the city which specifically states that the city is responsible for any taxes on the facilities.  Even with the revenue the city will receive from the lease, it will not be enough to cover the property taxes.  That may have to come directly out of the city’s budget.  Ouch!  I’m pretty sure the city of Miami is now keenly aware of what happens when we assume.

Remember Greek Mythology?  Didn't it seem like there was a god for just about everything?  There were so many!  Hades, god of the dead.  Poseidon god of the sea.  Athena, goddess of wisdom.  Zeus, the leader of the gods.  And of course, one of my favorites, Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty.  But which god was responsible for property taxes?

Greece is in turmoil over the recent property tax that was enacted as part of a program to get national debt under control.  The tax, which was put in place three months ago, is tied to electric bills.  If someone refuses to pay, their electricity is cut.  Well, at least in theory, the electric company is protesting the tax and several activist groups are reconnecting electricity to those who have been cut off.  Greece is in serious revolt over property taxes!

The prime minister has insisted that property taxes are necessary but it will be an uphill battle to get acceptance and compliance with the new tax.  Could it be time to create a god or goddess of property taxes.....?

I really like to travel!  It provides a great opportunity to change my physical state and even my mental state.  Over the past 20 years I’ve been able to visit almost all 50 states.  “Almost” being the operative word.  I’ve actually been to 49 states but that 50^th state has eluded me for over a decade.  The state….. North Dakota.   

North Dakota may be a difficult place to get to but they must be doing something right up there.  Earlier in the year they were talking about $400 million in tax cuts, now they have a constitutional amendment on the ballot to abolish property taxes all together!  In June of next year the whole state (population 670,000 strong) will vote on the measure.  A positive vote will make North Dakota the only state in the US to abolish property taxes.  I might have to get up there to see this.