Deep Pockets?
By Jim Conley • Apr 15th, 2007 • Email This Post to a Friend •
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There’s an interesting chart in today’s Globe that details the percentage of tax returns reporting an income of over $100 thousand by zip code. In Brookline’s 02446 the percentage is 20 percent; and in 02445 it’s 25 percent.
That’s right, more than three-quarters of the filers in these two areas are earning (or reporting) less than $100 thousand in annual income (before deductions). So much for the affluent community. Unless, of course, you measure affluence by the total property valuation.
The gap between income and property assessment is placing considerable financial strain on Brookline homeowners.
So why do the Brookline Selectmen think that they can pile on additional trash fees and increase the property tax burden through a Proposition 2.5 over-ride measure? To do otherwise would mean that they care more for the plight of the taxpayer than the cronies - in and out of town government - who cultivate their favor.
Again, know them by their angst.
Jim Conley is publisher of On Brookline.
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The answer to “DEEP POCKETS?” is when the Selectmen get through with us, “WHO’S GOT POCKETS?” That answer (to a different question) used to draw a big laugh at the Old Howard Athenaeum. But it’s not so funny in Brookline.
Which reminds me (guess why?) of the definition of an honest lawyer: One who keeps his hands in his own pockets. Then, follow with the drumroll for the Old Howard answer.
“Unless, of course, you measure affluence by property by total property valuation.”
Who does? There is only a loose correlation, if at all. Brookline’s high valuations have more to do with its perceived quality of schools, its proximity to a vibrant urban center and its relatively high quality of life (vagueness intended) that ultimately drive up demand for brookline’s property.
Moreover, all anybody should really care about is how much they pay out of pocket for their share of running the town. And, brookline is not a bad deal all things considered. For condo owners with children going to public school it is a downright good deal. For homeowners, it’s not such a great bargain. Such is the powerful progressive effect of the residential exemption on a system of taxation that has nothing to do with income.
Just ask a boston condo resident with a child if they think their getting their money’s worth?