It's that time of year again - times two. It's BS time! I don't have to spell it out. Election time is one, and TRIM notices is two. How strange that the two are tied together. The politicians are all over TV espousing to lower property taxes. As the TRIM notices arrive in the mail this month, we will all end up with heartburn. The Governor has appointed a panel of 15 to look into the real estate tax situation. Only problem there is, we will have no solution until 2007 and then it must be voted on. Don't hold your breath.
As brilliant as I am, I have somewhat of a solution. It's not brilliant, just plain old common sense. I tried to review the Taxation Statues of the State, but there are too many. What I did ascertain was the Governor and his Cabinet call the shots. So, here is my plan. The Governor and his Cabinet should sign an emergency measure halting all reassessments on real estate sales and recall the Legislature into immediate session to come up with an equitable solution. Under this measure the only real estate tax increase allowed would be the 3 percent SAVE OUR HOMES increase.
This accomplishes two things. First and foremost, it will give a shot in the arm to our sagging real estate market. The buying public is asking about their future real estate taxes. Secondly, with the Legislature in emergency session, their political campaign will have to come to a stop. No running around the countryside telling the public what he or she will do for us. We can simply watch their action in the special session.
Politicians being what they are, I'm inclined to believe they may actually do something good for us - the taxpayers in a relatively short time.
I have already spoken to several Lobbyists and I will fill you in next week. v Ric Cornelius is the Broker/Manager of Sand Key Realty Sales and Rentals, Inc. Sand Key Realty has three offices with 40 agents. One office is at 740 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-443-0032; the second office is at 2701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727-595-5441; and the third office is at 309 Belleview Blvd., Belleair, 727-461-4200.