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The News County Option Dog Tax - Yes or No?
The News County Option Dog Tax - Yes or No?
| County Option Dog Tax - Yes or No? |
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| Written by Anton K Neff |
| Wednesday, 02 August 2006 13:49 |
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At the July County Council meeting, information was shared with respect to the Dog Tax. For many years, the state has had a dog tax that assessed each dog owner a certain amount for each dog, or group of dogs. Trustees were the typical dog tax collectors and the system was largely done on the honor and convenience system (i.e. taking care of the dog when you see one). While it is purely a guess, I would suspect that a large number of dog owners do not pay dog tax at all or consistently.
What was the Dog Tax for? The money collected was spilt several ways with a portion going to a state fund and a portion to the county/township fund. I will have to verify it, but I think a portion also went to Purdue and another portion could be designated to go to an animal control organization. Traditionally, a farmer who had an animal killed by a dog or pack of dogs would contact the township trustee and make arrangements for reimbursement for the value of the animal, which would be paid from the Dog Tax fund. Now, the state has eliminated their administration of the Dog Tax and allowing each county to decide on whether or not to have it. There are still many unanswered questions. At the time presented, there were reservations about implementing the County Option Dog Tax. I moved to table the decision in an effort to gain more information and review what was presented. The motion was seconded and passed 7-0. The issue will be back for discussion at our August 14th meeting. I would generally not support a tax unless we know the following: -How is it going to be managed, assessed, and collected and is it going to be done in a fair and consistent manner? -What is the cost associated with having the tax? -Where will the money collected go and what can it (or does it) have to be spent on? -What are the pros and cons of having the tax? I encourage you to contact me with your questions, concerns, ideas, and/or suggestions regarding the County Option Dog Tax. |