06/02/2026
It is shocking at the amount of people who only see "GET RID OF PROPERTY TAX" but they complain when they have other programs that go away they needed because its a domino! READ THIS AND UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE ASKING!
What property tax actually is:
Property tax is a local tax paid by homeowners, landlords, and businesses based on the value of their property (land + buildings). Local governments—like counties, cities, and school districts—collect it and use it to fund everyday public services.
Where that money goes
A significant portion of property tax revenue stays right in your community and helps fund things people rely on daily, including:
Public schools
Emergency services (fire, police, EMS)
Roads and infrastructure
Parks and recreation programs
How it supports parks & recreation
Property taxes are often the primary funding source for local parks departments. That money pays for:
Maintenance of parks, playgrounds, and ball fields
Staff and coaches for community programs
Adaptive and inclusive programs for individuals with disabilities
Recreational leagues, events, and community gatherings
Facility upkeep (lighting, restrooms, safety equipment)
For organizations like yours that serve adults with disabilities, this funding is especially critical. Many of these programs are either directly funded or heavily subsidized by local tax dollars to keep them affordable and accessible.
What happens if property tax is eliminated or reduced significantly
It might sound appealing to remove a tax, but the reality is blunt: that money has to come from somewhere—or services get cut.
Here’s what typically happens:
1. Parks and recreation take a hit first
These programs are often considered “non-essential” in tight budgets, which means:
Reduced program offerings
Higher registration fees
Closure of facilities
Fewer inclusive/adaptive programs
2. Loss of community programs for vulnerable groups
Adults with disabilities are often the first to be overlooked when funding shrinks:
Fewer opportunities for social interaction
Loss of structured activities that support mental and physical health
Increased isolation
3. Decline in quality of life
Parks and recreation aren’t just “extras”—they:
Keep communities healthy
Provide safe spaces for families
Build social connection
Reduce crime through engagement
Without funding, communities become less vibrant and less safe.
4. Shift of burden elsewhere
If property taxes disappear, governments may:
Raise sales taxes or fees (which hit lower-income families harder)
Privatize services (making them less accessible)
Rely on inconsistent grants or donations
The bigger picture
Property tax is one of the most stable and local-controlled funding sources we have. It allows communities to invest in themselves—especially in programs that don’t generate profit but provide real human value.
Eliminating it doesn’t eliminate the need—it just removes the funding.
Bottom line
Property taxes directly support the kinds of programs that create inclusive, connected, and healthy communities. Without them, parks and recreation—especially programs serving adults with disabilities—are at serious risk of being reduced or disappearing entirely.
If you're framing this for advocacy or a message, a strong takeaway line could be:
“When we cut property taxes, we’re not cutting waste—we’re cutting the very programs that give our community connection, inclusion, and quality of life.”
