$411.81 i cant believe i even paid this unconstitutional tax. guess i'm a goodie goodie. i hope everyone who voted for this tax filed and included their check (or else 5% late fee if you dont pay when you file). you morons. i really hope you are happy that the county is in charge of your money. i hope it goes to a happy place that you are happy with, like wonderful schools and happy health care for everybody, except those who can pay for it. and i really really hope you had to pay more than i did. and if you didnt pay it i hope they arrest you and throw away the key so you cant vote to increase my taxes next time too.
It's my opinion that this Multnomah County Tax (which is supposed to be a temporary three year tax for 2003,2004,2005) will be extended and used far into the future. Do you think for a minute that now that they have the systems in place for this tax and see the money rolling in they are just going to lay everyone in the tax office off and call it a day like the voters wanted in 2005? No way they'll find a way to extend this far far into the future...mark my words.
im assuming you dont live in multnomah county? temp is temp, but i see your point. hopefully that will not be the case. hopefully, the state will tax gasoline to a sufficiently extortionate amount, or institute a sufficiently regressive sales tax, or even better, a clean skies tax. i am feeling especially satirical today...
The county did not bother to demand the mandate to set up a government structure to collect this tax. That is why they cannot with hold it from a paycheck without permission from the worker. No mandate = no authority.
Further, It is an invasion of privacy to give personal and financial information to a private collection company. That is what the county is doing. They are processing the tax collection themselves (as government workers) they have hire out the work. There are no mechanisms to protect my privacy and I won't turn over personal information to a stranger.
I won't pay and they can't make me. They have no penalties passed in the measure and have no legal mandate to enforce it.
Had they not been so hasty or used the State income tax measure as a template the tax might have some legal footing. Since they didn't - it doesn't.
Too bad.
please provide more info if possible on the private collection company. i was unaware of this. if you can list some news sources or anything, (the name of the company) it would be very helpful. thanks
I don't think the name of this company has been named. If you research articles about the tax right around the time it passed and just after you will find vague allusions to collections and how the county will have to hire a company to process the tax.
But why not call Multhnomah County and ask them?
Words of caution: They might say the company is under contract and that they are therefore employees. But that's not how employment v. independent contractor is defined. There is a huge difference between an independent contractor and a state/county employee.
Think about this - there is an IRS to collect federal taxes - there is a state department of revenue to collect state taxes. Why? - for privacy reasons.
Where is the department to collect this Multnomah County Tax? Who works there? Where is the authority to create those jobs? How are they paid? None of that was written into the law.
The County has stated that they will find you if you don't pay by searching the list of state filers. That shows me that they do not even have a list of County residents. That means that this private company will have access to the state list with information that we gave to the state in good faith as good citizens who pay legitimate taxes. This company can use this information in all kinds of ways - just giving a goverment database to a private company is a privacy problem. All of this is a shady way to extort money.
Like I said before I won't pay. If you find out the name of the company let us know.
I made about $12,000 last year (part-time since I'm a college student)
Got $200-something back from federal
And $100-something from the state
But I had to pay $97 for the county tax
One annoying thing about this tax is that it does not tax income. The only people who pay are the people who live in Multnomah County, regardless of whether they work there, or even own property there. If a CEO of a company lives in Vancouver and commutes to Portland to work and draw a large salary, he pays nothing to Multnomah County even though the company he manages relies upon the County for essential services. I, however, who am a self-employed, low-income renter must pay or be tracked down and punished "Les Mis"-style by Inspector Jabert (or his Multnomah County equivalent).
Even those who agree that the tax is necessary are squirming about its administration. While anything that I have to do in the course of tax preparation is de facto annoying and time-consuming, I found it additionally annoying that I had to scrounge a separate envelope, print out the Mult Co form, search the form for where to send it, and then mail it separately. Yes, Mult Co did not send me the form through the mail.
I'm no longer living in Multnomah county and am retired so am not paying the tax.
I agree that it should have been witheld, but you had plenty of warning and could have set aside money each month for the tax.
Guess what, it costs money to run a government and support social services such as education, health care, etc. Since the state was not doing it, the county decided to do it. There still isn't enough money with the failure of Measure 30. Essential services like the Oregon Health Plan are going down the tubes.
If you don't like the way taxes are collected in this state, and I don't, change the politicians you elect. Most of us paid no attention to state government, myself included, aside from initiatives, until the recession came along and the budgetary shit hit the fan. Over the years a conservative state legislature has shifted the tax burden from corporations to individuals. There are too many tax breaks (credits) for business. It's time for tax reform, but I can't see the state legislature ever getting it together. We'll have to do it with an initiative. Wouldn't hurt, though, to pay more attention to who you elect. Go to public events where the candidates speak and ask them how they would reform the state tax system to support essential state services. Tell them that medical insurance is one of those services. Might save your life sometime when you fall and need the safety net. As an old song says, "Don't think it won't happen just because it hasn't happened yet."
I do live in Multnomah, voted for the tax, wasn't thrilled about writing a check for $400 plus, waited until the last minute, but have known it was coming and expected it.
Yes, there have been glitches. Low-income people should have been exempted, corporations and businesses should pay more. But I'm happy to pay - I know what it's like to have to work on a shoestring. I work for the State - DHS - we don't waste money (janitorial service was d/c a long time ago - we can empty our own trash and clean up our own areas). At DHS we current have 68 more emplyees than we had in 1974; and we serve an additional 30,000 people per year.
Was there waste in '74? Probably. Have we streamlined, dieted, become more more efficient? Probably. But now we're to the point that streamlining has become starving. There isn't any more fat - we're cutting muscle now. And the counties are suffering more than the State as a whole.
My take on our distaste of taxes is that we don't realize what we get. As the State, we've done an incredibly poor job of educating people about where their taxes go, what they get, and how State (and County) services affect them.
I'm always amused when I hear someone talk about how high their property taxes are - compare yourself to other States (I just returned from Florida helping my parents househunt. Their property taxes are between $3,000 - $5,000 for a condo costing about $195,000. A far cry from the $1600 I pay for my house of equal value. Other States (Vermont) are similar. To me it seems we're angrier and complain more, but we really don't pay anywhere near what others do. And we expect much more than we're willing to pay for.
Are you certain about all of that? I mean, how did you come across this informaion? No matter, really.
Social Security information is protected by stringent confidentiality agreements and laws. Penalties are included for those who file/pay late, and the penalties far outweigh the interest. However, for the 2003 tax year, the penalties are being possibly waived upon payment and request.
I can assure you the persons collecting the tax and managing accounts are government works, not a private third-person company.
The office is located at 111 SW Columbia St, 6th floor, Portland Oregon. If you want your questions answered, go there or call them at (503) 988-ITAX (4829). Stop spreading half truths and misconceptions - for those of you who are genuinely interested, do your own research. The people at these offices are more than happy to discuss the tax with you. Hear it from the horses mouth, not the other end (no offense).
The money goes directly into local organizations (schools, police, etc.) For more info visit the website: http://www.multcotax.org
It's not that hard to do your own research.
As for the amounts paid, they can vary depending on salary and I understand the majoroty of frustration. On the other hand, we could just continue to cut school funding, police and emergency services, and adult care and all be happy in our little nimby worlds.
In response to LADG, lemme *axed* you this: is it true what I heard? Is it true that Multnomah County is the very first County west of the Mississippi river to impose a COUNTY personal income tax? If that is indeed true, why do you suppose that might be? Never mind, you have already identified yourself as an employee of the state of Oregon, so I would have to discount your answer and your commentary, no matter what response you might provide.
As someone with more than 30-years of private sector employment history, my perspective on reality differs considerably from that of an Oregon state employee. Additionally, rather than TALKING about friends and relatives who might live in other states, and pay other taxes at other rates, I have personally resided in other locales, so those experiences are more first-hand rather than here-say. I have lived in Oregon since May of 1978, but I lived in Montgomery County Maryland for as long before that. I believe Oregonians, and their elected representation in gov't put far too much emphasis on being unique (Reads: we're different, and we're S-P-E-C-I-A-L). At times placing that priority ahead of good judgement & common sense.
One of my chief complaints about ALL gov'ts and their employees is a certain arrogance which telegraphs their own loss of understanding. The understanding that they are employees of the taxpayers who provide the funding for their jobs to exist in the first place. And NOT the other way around.
For instance LADG wrote this, and I quote:
"As the State, we've done an incredibly poor job of educating people about where their taxes go, what they get, and how State (and County) services affect them."
Hehe, I have lived through 11 U.S. Presidents, been employed for over 30-years, resided in more than on U.S. state, traveled overseas extensively, but LADG thinks that I need him to "educate" me as to what I am NOT GETTING for my tax dollars, THERE in lies the root of the problem. *Gubbermints* and their employees believe that we Great Unwashed Masses all drive turnip trucks out here.
On the other hand, if LADG had been more honest in his use of words and presentation, I would have found his comments a tad more believeable. For instance, if he had simply replaced the word "educate" (in his quoted comment above) with the word "SELL" (or perhaps "SPIN"), I would have found his statement more accurate and truthful.
It's about LIVABILITY, stupid. The fact is, citizens should not have to be SOLD on the merits of paying taxes. Positive results of tax dollars forked-over should be more obvious, and more equitable than they have been in Multnomah County. Taxpayers are paying more, and receiving less value, and my wife and I will vote against this tax and against elected officials who support it. Plain & simple.
I'm actually a liberal Democrat who has a child in the Portland School District too. Which on the face of it, would seem to place me squarely in favor of this tax. But, I believe in getting what I pay for, and I wasn't before the County tax, and the County tax has simply amplified my dissatisfaction.
George Bender, in his comments above, suggested that we need to be more attentive to who we elect to represent us. Nice sentiment George, but I personally have never failed to cast a ballot since I was first eligible to vote at age 18, and that was awhile ago now. The problem has grown beyond the scope of simply participating in the electoral process now.
I think that only TIME will help to change the landscape of the Multnomah County, State of Oregon, and United States budget woes, and I think we are about to learn some lessons the hard way.
It's obvious that the education system began to fail decades ago now; the results of that deterioration is manifesting itself in this time, and this space. What are the indicators? That's easy, George W. Bush is the biggest failure to ever occupy the Whitehouse, in the entire history of our nation, and yet despite George's shortcomings, half the population either still supports him or remains undecided about a second term. What more proof do you need that our education system is broken? I mean there ya have it folks; half the eligible voters in the country obviously have the same smarts as that of a quart of Quaker State motor oil!
Speaking of dipsticks ... the Multnomah County Personal Income Tax Administrators sent me a letter offering to waive late payment penalties if I pay the tax in full by 09-25-04. Hehe, that's today, SATURDAY. The letter includes some fine print to advise me that "Postmark is not receipt". Kewl. Thing is, I'm pretty sure their offices at: 111 SW Columbia, Suite 600, Portland, OR 97201 are CLOSED on Saturdays. Ahhh, yet another example of my tax dollars at work (the county tax bean counters can't read a calendar well enough to administer their collection efforts more realistically). Of course, I'm sure Multnomah County will blame this little dilemma on this taxpayer; undoubtedly citing my procrastination as the cause. Sooo, I'll drive down there, slip a "paid-in-full" annoted check under the door, and wait for the County to respond with an attempt to collect the penalty anyway. Of course, my response will be to pay an attorney WAY more than the late fee, to challenge any such collection attempt. Crazy? Sure. But sooner or later folks have got to begin to take a stand and say NO to the continued nonsense and bullshit that is the current *gubbermints*. And folsk need to go beyond the simple VOTE in mounting such challenges. Enough is enough.
Although I agree with some of what you said (especially about GW Bush) I find it somewhat disturbing that you would have a child in the Portland School District and NOT support the tax. Then again, given the fact that Oregon, let alone Multnomah County, has never truly supported tax historically, I can understand your position a little.
And yes, it is about livability. Not just for you, but for your kids. I mean, assume they get crowded into a small classroom where they cannot learn because there are 1/3 the teachers for the students, gets into trouble walking home because there are no cops around... that's livability? Or how about the seniors who depend on these funds to live? Or the persons needing State care and medical treatment for quality of life? Take all that away and you can still whine about livability?
It's that whole nimby thing again...
As for the letter you received stating pay on Saturday, did it ever occur to you to bring it in on Friday? You know where they are and how to get there... I mean, you say they offered to waive the penalty yet you decide to snuff it instead? Sounds like you're the dipstick here, not them.
One note: I am not so naïve that I cannot realize the tax could have been handled better or that education could have been better... nor am I blind to the fact that the tax amounts should probably be on a sliding scale so that those making less than the average median income would pay less tax... but all those thing aside, don't you think we, as citizens of Portland and Multnomah County, we have a responsibility to take care of our own? Stop trying to blame the government for everything and do our part for once.
Take it or leave it - that's my stand on this issue.
For those if you who still have questions on whether or not this tax is needed for our county, please read the following, taken from the Stand For Children's website http://www.stand.org/or/faq.asp
Stop the Repeal Campaign, No on 26-64!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Measure 26-64?
A: Measure 26-64 is Don McIntire's attempt to repeal the 2nd and 3rd years of the three-year, temporary Multnomah County income tax, which is funding our local schools, senior services, public safety, health care, and mental health and disability services. We need the 2nd and 3rd year of this support to provide for the most vulnerable in our community.
Q: Didn't we already vote on this?
A: In May 2003, voters approved the three-year temporary income tax increase by 58%, (Measure 26-48), in order to support basic services while the economy gets back on track and the state returns to its job of supporting our local needs. Although paying this tax is a sacrifice for County residents, without it our schools will lose instructional days and teaching positions, and basic human and public safety services will be cut back dramatically. Measure 26-64 is an attempt to repeal the 2nd and 3rd years of this tax.
Q: How do I know that my money is going to the right place?
A: The approved measure last May put in place the School Efficiency and Quality Advisory Council (SEAC), to ensure that money going to Multnomah County school districts from the temporary tax is spent as intended and making a positive difference in the performance of all students. SEAC recently reported that, as promised, "97% of funds go directly to teaching and learning and the remainder goes to support those activities." For more information, visit the School Efficiency and Quality Advisory website, http://www.seacinfo.org.
Q: So, what specifically has my contribution paid for?
A: Examples of the essential services your tax payment supports include:
-Schools: For all 8 Multnomah County School Districts, the funding has maintained full school years and avoided elimination of over 700 teaching positions as well as sports, outdoor school, and other important after school programs.
-Senior Services: Enabled thousands of senior citizens to remain in their homes and provided hundreds of low-income seniors with prescription drug aid.
-Public Safety: Retained 43 law enforcement deputies and funded jail beds for 329 serious and violent criminals.
-Health Care: Provided food vouchers and nutrition education for 18,500 low-income pregnant women and infants.
-Mental Health & Disability Services: Maintained urgent walk-in clinics, mobile response units and crisis call centers for over 26,000 mentally ill residents.
Q: How can I join the fight to protect funding for these critical services?
A: Contact Shannon Campion at 503.780.2948 or click here to email her. (http://www.stand.org/email.asp?i=238758&c=200) in case the hypertect doesn't work on the email address.
I understand some of you are angry but come on... who are you really trying to hurt? The County? The State? In the end you're only hurting your neighbors, their children, the neighborhood... it's time to be a little less selfish... Yes, no one wants to be a part of the problem but we all have a responsability to be a part of the cure. It's only for 3 years... suck it up, quit whining and do what you can. And yes, I realize that there are families (quite a few in Oregon) that are impacted by this tax due to the income the family brings in. And yes, this is a lot of money to some people - myself included. But as far as I can tell the County has not been overly aggressive in this matter. They have offered payment plans and even to waive penalty amounts for the first year. Come on!
I realize I am talking at a wall here but I don't really care. What I do care about is our children getting a decent education so they don't have to settle for a "McJob" in the future or our parents getting the care they need in nursing homes. Or our siblings with special needs don't get left on the streets to fend for themselves, falling into drug abuse and whatnot.
Look ahead to what this taz is attempting to accomplish before demanding it be cut short. Look at what the reprocussions will be so you can save yourselves a few hundred dollars for that new tv or bike or other toy.
Multnomah County hopes to bring in $12 million by going after taxpayers who didn't file county income tax returns
By SCOTT LEARN
Multnomah County has begun chasing down an estimated 58,000 households that failed to file county income-tax returns in April, shipping out its first batch of letters this week to suspected tax laggard
The no-shows are nearly one-fifth of the county's taxpayers and owe an estimated $18 million for the 2003 tax year. Dave Boyer, the county's chief financial officer, figures the county can catch two-thirds of them, bringing in $12 million for schools and county services paid for by the personal income tax.
The collection effort is crucial to maintaining money for schools and county services promised when voters passed the three-year, 1.25 percent tax last year. The pursuit -- planned for September, October and November -- could also influence the Nov. 2 vote on an initiative to repeal the tax for the 2004 and 2005 tax years.
The county's estimates of collecting two-thirds of the unpaid taxes are conservative, Boyer said, noting that the county can garnish wages and put liens on property. "We're going to take every legal step available," he said.
AWOL taxpayers have contributed to the county falling well short of its targeted revenue, projected to be at least $128 million a year before the tax passed. So far, the county has brought in about $100 million from 220,000 taxpayers -- or 73 percent of the county's estimated 300,000 taxpayers. That percentage is well short of the federal government's 85 percent rate for taxpayers paying on-time and in full, based on Internal Revenue Service data.
Another 23,000 county taxpayers filed returns but either didn't pay in full or didn't pay at all. They owe from $6 million to $7 million, and the county is setting them up on payment plans. If collection estimates pan out, after refunds the county will collect about $115 million total for the 2003 tax year.
Randall Pozdena, managing partner for former county tax consultant ECONorthwest, called the county collection estimates "very optimistic." If the county meets its projections, the percentage of taxpayers who end up paying the county tax -- 93 percent -- would exceed the percentage who ultimately pay federal income taxes.
"I wish them luck, but I think they're underestimating the resistance people will be able to put up and the cost of the pursuit," Pozdena said. "There's a certain class of people they'll have to pursue to the ends of the earth."
A weak collection result could turn off voters who paid the tax; calls to the county indicate taxpayers are keenly interested in knowing their neighbors are paying, too. On the other hand, an aggressive hunt could turn thousands of the hunted into highly motivated repeal voters, though they still wouldn't get their 2003 tax money back.
The county spent the summer sorting out residents who put Multnomah County addresses on 2003 state tax returns but didn't file county tax returns. First out the door this week was a test run of 100 letters to gauge the flow of calls and taxpayer reaction. Then the county will start sending letters by the thousands, beginning first with Zip codes entirely within the county so residence isn't in question.
The initial letter is relatively gentle, conceding that a taxpayer may have had legitimate reasons for not paying the tax. Taxpayers who live outside the county may have used a Multnomah County business address when filing their state tax, Boyer said. College students may have used their parent's address though they lived elsewhere for most of the year.
"We're not accusing people," Boyer said. "We're giving everybody the benefit of the doubt to begin with."
The first letter will ask taxpayers to fill out a return. It gives them the option of paying in full or entering into a six-month payment plan at 6 percent interest. If taxpayers make the payments on time, the county probably will waive penalties for missing the April deadline, Boyer said.
Penalty waivers will be on a case-by-case basis, he said. Many taxpayers were genuinely ignorant of the tax. Others are saying, "I'm going to wait until they come after me," Boyer said. Low-income taxpayers are more likely to catch a break; taxpayers with six-figure incomes are not.
If necessary, the county has access to credit reports to determine whether late payers have money to pay the tax.
The county and its tax contractor -- the city of Portland's license bureau -- will follow up with phone calls if taxpayers don't respond to the letters. Boyer said it's too early to say whether the county will use a collection agency, which would add to costs.
Taxpayers who owe a little likely will get with a negative credit reference if they don't pay. Those who owe a lot could face wage garnishment and liens, which require much more costly paperwork.
ECONorthwest warned the county last year that it probably would miss its tax revenue targets, in part because of poor tax compliance among low-income and self-employed taxpayers. The county has a high number of mobile renters, the consultant warned. Many taxpayers didn't know about the new tax. And most faced the prospect of paying it in a lump sum because few employers were withholding the county tax from paychecks.
A single taxpayer with $30,000 in Oregon taxable income pays $344 a year for the county tax. A couple with $60,000 in taxable income pays $688. The tax does not apply to county businesses and those who work in the county but live elsewhere.
If the November repeal initiative fails, the county expects to collect $120 million for the 2004 tax year, including $105 million in on-time payments and $15 million in late collections.
Scott Learn: 503-294-7657; scottlearn@news.oregonian.com.
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I just like to be sure that everyone is aware of all the facts, not just one group's interpretation of the facts.
Just because I know y'all love hearing from me... I thought I would post one more bit of information for all of you to consider:
Multnomah County Budget Priority Setting
This site is to inform and educate Multnomah County citizens, employees and the business community about the County's plan for the end of Multnomah County's temporary Personal Income Tax (ITAX) that provides $30 million to county programs and services. The County also faces an on-going fiscal structural deficit.
We are employing a unique budget priority setting process that will prioritize County lines of business so we can provide excellent services in focused areas versus a proportional cut county-wide. This may result in the elimination of current programs and services the County now offers.
This is so screwed up...im sorry but i am a highschool student...if measure 26-64 were to pass do you know how many kids would be at a loss...at my school alone....like 85% of the kids are enrolled in sports and if it were to pass what would thosse kids have to do...i mean some kids they get up in the morning only so that they can go play that certain sport...also if this measure were to pass we wouldn't have completed our required number of days and therefore would be forced to repeat this year...so if you were a freshman you would come backin the fall as a freshman or a sophomore you would come back as a sophomre...and so on...now i know probably 85-90% of the people in oregon went to high school...yah its fun in all but would you really have wanted to go to go back to high school untill you were like 20 years old....i mean none of us want to be in highschool that long plus there would be no reason for some kids to go to school...i play sports as well and you have to go to school in order to play so whats the point in going if your not going to be able to do what you love...not to mention the fact that since a lot of kids would have to be in school for more years the high school drop out rate would be shooting throught the roof...SO I URGE ALL OF YOU...EVEN IF YOU DON'T VOTE...THIS IS A BETTER TIME THEN ANY TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD...ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT...PLEASE VOTE NO ON MEASURE 26-64!!!! PLEASE FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHILDREN!!!
I know this is going to come out so I'll beat y'all to the punch.
I am, of course, talking about the recent Oregon Live article talking about the Multnomah County Personal Income Tax and PERS/FERS (link to www.oregonlive.com). GO ahead and read it... then continue with my comment here.
... ... ...
Ok, now, this is important: The information within this article is false. Yes, false. By that do I mean that Oregon Live or Don McIntire is purposefully misleading the voting public? No. What I mean is, there is a LOT of misinformation out there and this is one of those tidbits that found its way into a public forum.
PERS/FERS amounts, as it relates to the County's Personal Income Tax is except. That is, any citizen of Multnomah County with a taxable income can claim their FERS/PERS amounts as part of their exemption when calculating their overall tax. This in NO WAY suggests that County, State, of Federal Employees are exempt from the tax as a whole because it is "one of their PERS benefits." That is simply incorrect.
For example, if a Multnomah County resident, filing as SINGLE, claims an Oregon Taxable Income of $56,000 they automatically receive a $2,500 income exemption ($5,000 for married). Then, if they claim a PERS/FERS income exemption of, say, $25,000 that would make their TOTAL income exemption of $27,500 ($25,000 + $2,500). If there were no pre-payments made, not including any interest or penalty, they would STILL OWE an amount of $356.
A Multnomah County resident, making the same $56,000 but claiming MARRIED with a PERS/FERS amount of $25,000 would still be expected to pay a total of $325 - again, this amount is minus any interest or penalty for late payment.
So, in the end, the only people who would not be expected to pay a tax upon declaring their PERS/FERS amounts would be those whose total exemption amount is equal to or greater than their Oregon Taxable Income.
The above information, by the way, is available to anyone with Internet access. Visit http://www.multcotax.org/mc_tr-03b_fillable.pdf and you can plug in your own numbers and see the amounts for yourselves.
I hope that clarifies any confusion. If you read the above link, you should see the counterpoint listed on link to www.oregonlive.com
I found this additional information - once again, completely available to the public (so much for the whole ITAX/SECRECY/WHERE ARE THEY??? Conspiracy).
Q: What specifically has the tax paid for?
A: Examples of the essential local services your tax payment support includes: Schools: For all 8 Mult County school districts, the money maintains a full school year and avoided elimination of over 700 teaching positions as well as sports, Outdoor School and programs for kids at risk. Senior Services: Enables hundreds of senior citizens to remain in their homes and provides hundreds more low-income seniors with prescription drug aid; Public Safety: Funds jail beds for 329 serious and violent criminals Mental Health & Disability Services: Maintains basic medications for 20,000 mentally ill residents who otherwise could be a danger to themselves or others.
Q: Lots of people aren't paying the tax; why should I?
A: In fact, 81% of County residents have filed this tax -almost the level of people who file state and federal taxes. The County is aggressively pursuing payment from those who are delinquent. This is a new and temporary tax that was the first of its kind. No one received a bill to pay it. So, it has taken a while to get everyone's attention. Randy Leonard's Bureau of Licenses at the City is in charge of collections.
Q: I don't believe the state will do anything; then what do we do?
A: The school community is working hard to pressure elected in Salem to step up and do their job. If, at the end of three years of the temporary tax, we have no statewide solution, we can look at a regional, tri-county revenue source that will protect more schools and spread the tax burden. We have to keep pushing, on every front, to keep our schools supported.
Q: I think all the money goes to Portland. How do we know it gets to the other local schools?
A: In fact, some of the East Multnomah County School Districts are even more dependent on the local, temporary tax than Portland Public Schools. All the county districts receive between 10-14% of their budget from the tax. We all need it very much to provide a full school year and reasonable class sizes, as well as to provide important educational programs.
Q: After tax measures fail, it always seems that money is 'found... ' Won't that happen again?
A: I wish we had that much power. We know of nowhere to turn to replace the $70 million to local schools that would be lost if this tax were repealed - we won't be saved by the City, the County or the State, because which other service would they cut in order to save the schools?
Q: The tax was way more than they said it would be. How can they get away with that?
A: The County estimated that the median taxpayer would owe $320 a year, for three years. (1/2 pay more than that and ½ pay less.) In fact, the budget office reports the median check is $244, right on target.
Q: I'm angry at County/City Commissioners, School Board, local officials. They waste money, etc.
A: I understand that you are frustrated with local officials and you have good reason to be. There are ways to deal with that -like voting them out of office. But let's not take our frustrations out on the school children, senior citizens and people with mental illness.
Q: How do I know the money goes where they say:
A: This is the local money that we know exactly where it goes! Audits and citizen oversight report the money is going directly to the classroom or to the services for seniors, persons with mental illness and public safety. For more info: Go to www.seacinfo.org or www.multnomahschools.org
Q: Who is exempted from paying the tax: A: By state and federal law, PERS pensions as well as Social Security and federal pensions cannot be taxed.
** Please note: PERS/FERS pensions, not employees, are exempt.
1) Amazing how people say its unconstitutional. Easy to say, not so easy to get a court to rule that way. Bottom line is, people, myself included, voted for it, so stop whining about that part. This ain't Russia, majority of voters decides.
2)Perceptions DO seem to be the problem. and despite what others have said, County officials screwed up as usual. To say "you had fair warning to save up" is true but also nonsense.
If you want the public to support you, you cant screw with them. You have to serve them and make it as seamless as possible. To not immediately implement some sort of county wide witholding immediately set up the county for a recall. Politics is about perceptions and when it all came due in one chunk, people felt majorly messed with.
Other problems of perception are that if the county was in such dire straights, they should have manifested an apparent emergency response. Cancelling nonsense like the Tram to the medical school, water bureau billing chaos, floating walkways, 2% of taxes for ugly public art and hideous pay scales for various administrators ( think Library).
Instead the Public sees what they percieve as mismanagement of funds by city and county officials.
The response that city and county funds are from different pots is again PERCEIVED as political gamesmanship. The public sees taxes going out and money being spent. THEY DONT CARE if its the city or the county.
Bottom line is, I voted for it, I paid it and now aafter seeing a failure of leadership Im voting to recall it.
Oh, by the way, I am one of those overspending public employees the public demands service from but loves to hate. It is true, we need to spend the funds we get more wisely, but its not a failure of the underpaid public employees, take a look a bit higher up folks. You'll find the moronic waste comes from the top, not the bottom.
Needs and perceptions must coincide for success - yes
All in all I have to agree with some of Jonathan's points. Could the government had done better at educating the public prior to the enforcement of this tax? Yes. Would that have altered the course of things and prevented where we are all at today? Maybe... probably not.
I'll be the first to agree that the government had an obligation to educate the public. Why it was unable to is a mystery and definitely a point of contention, but it is also moot at this juncture.
As far as the other government projects, such as the tram, floating walkways, and art - I have to agree with Jonathan once more. However, to suggest that by putting any of these projects aside would have boosted the funding available to the schools is absurd. Simply put, it's all money from a different pot. Despite apparent public opinion, the city/county does not have a single pool of cash from which to draw finds from for various projects. Many projects are based from applied grants - outside monies - specifically designed to assist cities with mass transit, public beautification, etc. And yes, there are grants available to assist public schools. However, the grant amounts are far too little and, if awarded, are spread across far too many schools. It's like spreading an ounce of jam across an entire load of bread.
This entire debate, like all debates, are focused around questions and accusations. I'd like to put the accusations aside for a moment and concentrate on the core question that has evolved into what it is: How does this tax affect the public schools, emergency services, adult care, and the average county resident?
Any other question, I would think, only serves as fodder to derail the core issue.
Firstly, without the tax that has already come in, local schools would have had to lay off a considerable amount of teachers and shorten the already-impacted school year. What this means is that students receive a significantly less personal and less effective learning environment. All studies show that students in overcrowded classrooms have lower average test scores than those in a more balanced classroom in regards to teacher/student ratio. Also, with a shorter year, these students are unable to receive the full term of education that they would normally receive. So, crowded classrooms, less teachers, and a shorter school year... not a pleasant outcome, I would imagine.
Not to mention that these kids, our kids, may leave high school without the appropriate education to enter the workforce. Especially in today's job market where you practically need a bachelor's in ANYTHING to get almost any kind of job. We'd only be assisting Oregon in continuing to hold its position as one of the poorest states in regards to education - in a country that already holds the title for one of the poorest in the world as far as education.
Can we blame government for this? Sure. It's easy. But try to remember - WE are the government. We voted them in and we entrusted them with the state of our union. In the end, we have the power to vote them out and bring in someone else that can handle the state a little better.
Emergency services would also suffer. That's police/fire/rescue people! Portland is notorious for gang and drug related activity. Our kids are getting involved in that mess and by cutting funding for these services we are only encouraging the problem. I see more and more advocates stating that the government should do MORE but then fight to support that same government LESS. The math doesn't add up, people. It just doesn't make sense.
Adult services and services assisting the mentally ill - already a severally impacted area - would continue to wither. That's someone's mother or father, grandfather or grandmother... or even closer, brother or sister. Even sons and daughters depend on these services somehow or another and there are those if you who are NOT impacted by these issues that raise your voices and fists and demand to have these funds cut short. Again, it doesn't make sense. Without these funds they would be out on the streets with no support. I know the image of destitute elderly may not raise too much concern with some of you (although it should!) but try to imagine this: persons with mental disabilities requiring medication are more likely to, if left to their own devices and without any aid, develop habitual drug dependencies. Now, those people, wandering the streets, are going to need money to get these drugs. Where do you think they'll get it?
That's right - by breaking into your homes and stealing your possessions. Now, flash back to the cuts in the police and emergency services and you can see how this can quickly snowball into something I can almost assuredly say NO ONE wants to happen.
Back to government for a moment, as that seems to be the hot topic. Yes, be pissed at the government. Yes, teach them that you are not happy about the way they handled things. Punish them!
But don't punish the schools, police, elderly and mentally ill... and don't punish yourselves by demanding this tax be repealed. Attack your legislature in the best way you, as a citizen, can: by voting them out. By finding another candidate that can do a better job and support them - loudly and publicly - and get them voted in. Don't complain about government - change it!
By voting for measure 26-64 you are only placing a temporary band-aid on a growing issue, not solving the issue at hand. I hope you can all see that without this funding the state of the city, and county, will quickly deteriorate.
If you want something you can see with your own eyes... if you want to see where these funds are going, visit your local schools. Talk to your kids. Talk to your local police and firemen. See that the elderly are being fed and the mentally ill are being taken care of... if you bother to take the time to look, you will see what good the Multnomah County ITAX is doing here - not in Calafornia... not in New York or Washington D.C. but here - LOCALLY!! I can't stress that point enough.
Found this regarding the potential impact the 26-64 measure would have on Parkrose if the repeal measure were to pass. Interesting... and remember, this is only one school district. The tax supports several throughout the county.
Like Red said, today is the last day to register to vote! If you have not already done so, you have until 5 tonight to get it done. It only takes a few minutes to make your opinion count!
Many of you may have already seen this. Others may not have. If not, go out and get a copy of the Willamette Week. There are a few pages discussing some of the more "hot" measures, including 26-64. It's a pretty well-written article about the measure so I encourage you all to read it.
The only thing I don't like about it is the author's use of the word "jihad"... but that's personal opinion.
Here is an interesting article published in the Oregonian. Basically, a (in my opinion) fair and balanced pro/con article about Measuer 26-64 and what it means if it passes/fails.
Please take the time to read this. How you interpret it is entirely up to you.
I came across this on another blog talking about 26-48 vs 26-64 and thought I'd share. It's quite insightful as it is from the horse's mouth - so to speak.
Certain names are removed because I simply cut and pasted this comment from the other blog without permission and I do not wish to offend anyone.
"I would like to respond to XXXXX's comment "The Portland Public Schools has no contract in place. Their teachers pay ZERO for their health care (do you get that deal?). "
I used to get that deal, and I still understand why that deal made sense. As a PPS teacher I would like people to understand that the teachers negotiated health care IN LIEU of past pay raises in an effort to maintain compensation WITHOUT payroll costs to Portland Public Schools. It was a cost effective strategy embraced by the teachers and the administration. A win, win solution.
(some)[sic] are outraged that teachers used to get 100% paid medical but fail to note that teachers GAVE UP salary increases for those benefits.
Today, after voluntarily cutting our pay last year (teaching ten days for free), after voting in favor of the iTax and paying it , teachers agreed to making contributions to their medical benefit costs AND reduced our overall benefit package in our ongoing efforts to support year-long education for ALL of Portland's students.
We all agree that a better funding solution needs to be arrived at.
I, for one, do not agree with XXXX that the solution is to close schools early, so that the few may find ways to continue to educate their children, while the many leave their children at the mercy of the streets while they work to provide for their families."
So there you go: teachers are taking certain cuts to ensure YOUR kids get a decent education and attention in their classes. These people are making sacrifices left and right so they can have the opportunity to teach your kids and get them ready for tomorrow. Don't you think you should pull YOUR weight a little too? Or do you still insist the responsibility falls squarely on everyone else's shoulders?
I came across some more information that I thought was important to share with you all. I am sure that most (if not all) of you have already voted. For those of you who have not, or may still be undecided, here are four articles - even one that is FOR the repeal measure!! (Who says I don't play fair?)
As you probably are well aware already (how could you not?) measure 26-64 to repeal the temporary income tax for Multnomah County has failed. It seems there were just more decent people out there in Multnomah County who wanted to fulfil their promise instead of renegging.
Thank you, Multnomah County Residents!
And congratulations to Tom Potter!
As for Bush.... although I didn't want him to win I expected him to do so. As corrupt as the Republicans in power (not all Republicans, mind you... just talking about the ones who make things happen) are and as tainted as this and the previous electoral battle was, a second term was far from impossible for the worst president ever.
I feel it is unconstituational for the average NON PERS worker to pay this tax, when the PERS worker is exempt. I am pissed; this year my fed return's gross taxable income was less than last year's , yet my county tax is higher. What gives with that? I do NOT WANT TO PAY THIS TAX .... on a city school system that has a declining enrollment. RAISING taxes on a district with a declining enrollment is unheard of where I come from ... and that is NY ! NOT to mention the lack of standards in courses students take here to graduate. I am a teacher and the school standards are substandard. NO one here is getting what they are paying for ... in services. I am beginning to believe that Oregon's economy is as fabricated as was Enron's.
Well, the county is about to collect a second round of taxpayer dollars for "the support of public services." Whether you paid in support, paid grudgingly, or didn't pay out of protest, I think the question remains: How effective is our state and local government leadership if they simply keep asking us to pay the bills out of our own pockets? We could all figure out how to do that without paying them a salary to come up with that one - geez. Where's the real solution? They've only got one year left now, and I for one haven't heard anything about the funding solutions that this "temporary tax" was supposed to give them the time to find. I'm tired of hearing the sob stories about how all our public services can't sustain themselves, and that the solution always comes down to a bailout of some kind. What does that say about the strength and viability of our infrastructure? Is the best that they can do simply to say, "I-TAX you to solve our problems?" Don't let these state or local officials scare you with stories of crumbling public services, and if they do, ask them why they let it come to this. They'll most likely make the excuse that they never had enough money to do the job, which should also put up a red flag for us that NO amount of money will be enough... I for one, even being a public teacher who may be hurt by it, will vote down future taxpayer "pickpocketing" in favor of a long term solution which was promised, but has not yet been delivered. For those of you out there supporting this measure "for the children" it's time to look to the horizon, instead of to your neighbor's wallet.
I can't wait for the city of Portland to decide that the funds collected by the Multnomah County I Tax are not getting down to their level, and then I can pay a Portland City I Tax. My vision is that one day a single pencil eraser in the hands of a child in a Portland school will have been paid by me four times over: through federal, state, county and city taxes. And if such a day comes, I'll take a sick day from work, go find that kid, and beat him up for his lunch money. And take the eraser, too.
Multnomah county did not invision PERS retirees being exempt from this tax when first written.
They just decided to exclude them when (probably a former boss of one of them complained). Then
they decided that they were leggaly exempt. Oregon Constitution laws will find this tax wrong.
Just look at it in common sense, what rational reason are they exempt. Read Section 32 and 20
of the Oregon Constitution. My advise to everyone is to not pay it.
In July 2005 I received a penalty fee for being 10 days late on the 2005 tax.(3 months after taxes were due) I was out of the country and mailed it upon my return. My appeal to this penalty fee was denied (quickly-I might add) stating my reason did not constitute good cause. I am angry. Why they can charge a penalty 3 months later, when they first of all took almost 3 weeks to cash my check? obviously being ten days late wasn't that big of deal, being they didn't cash it for another 3 weeks. I should be charging them interest for the time they sat on my check. I am sure there are people who haven't paid them at all. Can they really inflict these penalty fees and have legal justification for collection?
Our lovely mayor just announced that he would like to cut this tax down and extend it to other countys to boot. Did people really think that once this tax was in place they would remove it? Were has all the money gone? How many schools were shut down in the last three years?
We live in Mulnomah county and we paid their tax but not liking it. This is just one more useless tax. Get real people. It's not going way. Hope all that voted this in and voted again to keep it are happy.
