You say "semantics" like they're a bad thing! But without them, Republicans would be raising taxes just like Democrats, and we can't have that.

How interesting that Mr. Van Tassell of the Utah Tax Payers Association is now heading up an attempt to add a further hidden tax in the form of a congestion pricing tax. This is the same group that is critical of Governor Huntsman for the 4 day/10 hour work week. How strange that the "advocates" for the taxpayers of Utah are advocating an increased tax for those who through no fault of their own must drive the freeways during the morning and evening commute. Sure,let's punish the workers for going to work?? How ironic the Governor has shown that by going to a 4 day work week, or allowing for flex time so that not all employees are on the freeway at the same hour, can reduce congestion without a tax increase. The Utah Tax Payers Association has lost its way. It is time for true reform in the organization and a change of leadership.

Oklahoma does the same thing, if the voters reject a tax increase for some reason, the State or City will increase fees where they will not have to get the okay from the voters. Personally, I will be voting against every incumbent on the ballot and vote NO on every question. Time to clean house.

Fees are a way for politicians to collect money out of the tax channel. It lets them spend more and say we did not raise taxes. Fees are a greater burden of lower income people than higher income earners since as the income goes down, disposible income goes down.

A true fee is one that a person can opt out of tax. A true tax is not optional or avoidable.

If you compare monopoly government to a criminal gang, its actions become more understandable.

Good posts by both "oklahoma mormon" and "Anonymous" but I would also make the point that NO ONE in government seems ever willing to cut back on spending, all they do is try to find "new" ways to raise money. Its time that politicians (especially local) got the word that we are in a downward economy. They just keep spending like drunken sailors! Everyone complains about the high federal taxes but the local "conservative" politicians are killing me! To taxpayers: if you really want to affect the amount of money in your wallet when you get through paying all your taxes pay more attention to what is happening in local govts. Attend city and county hearings. You might be able to make a difference there since we can't seem to be able to elect state or federal politicians who can cut spending! Compare your raise this year to the teachers cost of living raises!

I agree with your points on the fee problems. But I live in Herriman, I have talked to the leaders. They have won me over to the fee system. A fee is more fair. It distributes the costs of services equally to all residents. Appartment dwellers don't pay taxes, but they use police services and parks as much as home owners.

Apartment dwellers will pay the fees like us home owners, and we all pay the same. It makes sence to me that we all pay that live in the community and we all pay the same.

I think we need a Prop 13(I believe that's what it was called in California a few years ago) to either a tax cap or allow votes on property tax increases--it's pretty ridiculus that property value goes down and taxes go up..these monopolistic thieves (city/county governments, school districts, the mulitple abatement district, etc) need to cut back..way back. How long are Utah people going to put up with these robberies?

How about someone on this board comes up with a way for cities and towns to cover the increases in costs that we all face without reducing the services that we have demanded from government. It easy to hide in your anonimity and scream they are all crooks and we should through the bums out, but I haven't seen many knowledgeable post with a genuine solution. Governments cut back all the time, but it isn't as newsworthy as the threat of a tax increase. Come on you know-it-alls, give a real solution.

Fees are fair, all pay them in the city (Not just home owners) and all pay the same. Police service is needed at cheaper town homes and appartments just as much as the expensive homes that pay the property taxes!