Measure 24-92Arguments Against:Legislators from Portland to Ontario would determine the level charged. Do you want to give up your control to those with no stake in our community? Low-priced new homes, Habitat for Humanity and other non-profit organizations will be hurt because this measure imposes a flat charge of an additional estimated $8000-$20,000 that is not dependent on the home or apartment value. The Salem Housing Authority, in a 1997 study, found that when their family clients obtained decent housing, household incomes went up noticeably. Affordable housing needs to be preserved. No one knows how much this measure would add per month onto mortgage or rent payments, making it harder than ever for low income and first time homebuyers to buy a home or rent an apartment. 80% of new homebuyers already live in Salem and are paying taxes/fees/utilities when they buy or build a new home. This measure imposes an unknown penalty for that choice. Some estimates range as high as an extra $20,000. New residents moving into Salem, causing "growth", who buy or rent existing housing, pay nothing! This measure would make Salem the least competitive city in Oregon for attracting new jobs and services for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren. Elected officials and citizens on all sides of this issue deserve an opportunity to determine a fair level of charges that new construction should pay now and in the future. We do not need an extreme, inflexible measure locked into the city charter. GRANDCHILDREN'S FUTURE, FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY, VOTE NO ON MEASURE 24-92 The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Marion County nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument. Marion County does not correct errors in spelling or grammar. Measure 24-92- a charter amendment to raise system development charges on homes and businesses by an estimated 300%-- puts Salem's future at risk: * Measure 24-92 was drafted by anti-growth activists without public hearings or legal review. The result? The author can't even say how much his new "housing tax" increase would be! 24-92 asks for a blank check from city residents! * Can Salem families really afford a huge increase in housing taxes? What kind of community will result when young families have to live outside of Salem to buy their own home? * Even worse, working families pay a heavier burden! Houses for low and middle income families are hit with the same increase that expensive luxury homes will be forced to pay. * There are no exemptions from this outrageous increase! Affordable housing, churches, day care, and senior facilities are all charged the same high tax as mansions! * "COMMUNITY" has always meant something to the people of Salem. We are all a part of planning for our city and that means sharing the responsibility for making sure our children have good schools, parks and a safe place to live. Measure 24-92 does away with responsible planning and citizen choices. * Finally, Measure 24-92 would backfire on Salem. New homes and businesses will move outside city limits to avoid the new tax-causing more urban sprawl, more traffic, and loss of open space. And when the city loses these people, it loses the revenue too. Read all of Measure 24-92 for yourself. It's one secret charter amendment Salem doesn't need. And remember, 24-92 alters the city charter so mistakes can't be easily corrected. If it passes, we're all stuck with this extreme law. That's why Citizens Against Unfair Taxes-a coalition of your neighbors-says VOTE "NO" on the housing tax increase. Citizens Against Unfair Taxes) The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Marion County nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument. Marion County does not correct errors in spelling or grammar. are "a lot less than other communities". That's nonsense. Here are some comparisons for a new single family home*:
If Measure 24-92 passes, Salem's SDC could go to unbelievable heights and make homes and apartments unaffordable to all but the well-to-do. Our homes and businesses would carry the highest tax burden in Oregon, making us the most expensive, least competitive city in the state. That's foolish and irresponsible. VOTE NO ON MEASURE 24-92. *All figures approximate. Source of existing charges: City of Eugene study, December 1996Marion-Polk Building Industry Association) The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Marion County nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument. Marion County does not correct errors in spelling or grammar.
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