Supreme Court takes local sewer tax case
The U.S. Supreme Court usually doesn't get involved in tax matters if it can avoid them. Today, however, the justices said they will take up an interesting case on local taxation:
Armour v. Indianapolis, No. 11-161. Does the Equal Protection Clause preclude a local taxing authority from refusing to refund payments made for sewer improvements by those who have paid their assessments in full, while forgiving the obligations of identically situated taxpayers who chose to pay over a multi-year installment plan?
The Indiana Supreme Court ruled in favor of the City of Indianapolis in May. Will the nation's highest court agree, and what will it say about the constitutional status of local taxes for sewers? Worth watching.
| Posted at 11:42 AM | Permalink |
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Comments (4)
Being forced to spend ratepayer money on what you said it would be used for. How quaint.
We don't go for them fancy-pants legal arguments out here. Just pay your tribute to Boss Randy and things get done. And ratepayers better keep quiet and "remember who your friends are."
Posted by Snards | November 14, 2011 11:59 AM
Who says tax law is boring!
Posted by Pom Mom of LO | November 14, 2011 1:32 PM
And in a related event, Portland gets some more national press in the Wall Street Journal today. Seems that some cities are using money designated for one purpose for other projects, and Portland's Water/Sewer misappropriations to The Rose Festival foundation is cited as one example. Who would have guessed? At least Modoc County was trying to keep the County Hospital operating when they diverted their funds. Go by Mounted Posse Colorguard!!
Posted by Cass | November 14, 2011 2:17 PM
equal protection? Oh, you mean like the Occupy people getting to use a park for free for a month or so and the Tea Party paying up front for an evening?
Posted by concordbridge | November 14, 2011 8:16 PM