South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Lindbergh’s Prop L a much-needed tax increase, alderman writes

To the editor:

Call Executive Editor Mike Anthony wrote earlier this year in his column that “democracy comes with tremendous responsibilities …”

He advised being an informed voter and advocated improving voter participation. In this busy world 60 percent of registered voters in some local areas do not take time to cast a vote on how tax dollars are spent.

This November Lindbergh Schools residents are asked to support a very-much-needed tax increase. Rest assured, Lindbergh will receive every bit of the tax rate you approve for them. Even with the increase, Lindbergh’s tax rate per $100 will be almost a full dollar lower than taxes paid in other local school districts.

Lindbergh remains one of the highest rated school districts in the state. Its outstanding reputation attracts new families to homes for sale, supporting your strong home values in our neighborhoods. This tax increase partially offsets real estate revenue lost as tax values in both our city and the school district fell. The Crestwood mall had been appraised at more than $100 million but sold in April 2008 for $17.5 million, losing $83 million in taxable appraised value, thus impacting both Crestwood and the Lindbergh School District revenue.

The county real estate tax bill you paid in December collected for 15 or more taxing districts, each receiving a payment rate based on a percentage of your home’s appraised value — the per $100 tax rate.

Please do not assume this bill contains just services within your city or school district.

For a list of who received your tax money go online to St. Louis County and see what your real estate taxes are supporting.

John Foote

Crestwood

Editor’s note: Mr. Foote serves as a Ward 4 Crestwood alderman.

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