Tag Archives: double taxation

How will local government deal with epidemic of crumbling private roads?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Local governments must work on solutions to repair crumbling private roads, because most homeowners don’t have the equipment, expertise, or money to maintain them. Private roads are a burden for many homeowners associations (HOAs). But the problem is even more acute for subdivisions where no HOA exists.   Ohio: homeowners can’t get in or out of their subdivision after road washed out in a flood Owners of 32 homes Continue ReadingHow will local government deal with epidemic of crumbling private roads?→

Good government leaders could end double taxation of HOA property owners

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities A few days ago, I explained, by example, the outrageous reason that local governments mandate homeowners’ associations for all new residential development: double taxation. For decades, most government leaders bought into the misguided notion that they could privatize public services by shifting responsibility to HOAs. Under the guise of saving money and keeping property taxes low, city and county governments created the ultimate bait and switch scheme. But in the Continue ReadingGood government leaders could end double taxation of HOA property owners→

Outrageous! Why cities insist on an HOA for new development

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Ever wonder why all new construction in your city or county is governed by a homeowners’ association? The answer, in two words: double taxation. Most people know that homeowners pay property taxes to support public schools, libraries, local police departments, and maintenance of public infrastructure such as roads. But did you know that, for the past 2 or 3 decades, municipal and county governments actively avoid taking on new pubic Continue ReadingOutrageous! Why cities insist on an HOA for new development→

Texans feel the strain of high property taxes plus condo HOA fees

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities As Texans debate how to rein in high property taxes, many homeowners struggle to keep up with rising condo and HOA fees as well. But several recent articles on the subject of property tax reform fail to acknowledge that the bulk of HOA and condo assessments. Association-governed community fees are, in essence, property taxes due and payable to a fourth layer of government. Think about it. If you live Continue ReadingTexans feel the strain of high property taxes plus condo HOA fees→