Pittsburgh needs a commuter tax (appointed, costs, money)

[PGH423]

Let’s have no taxes at all. Maybe people who want roads to drive on, public schools, and police departments will just donate enough to cover everyone.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by Copanut

Hey, stop posting what we suburbanites already know. The City people won't believe it.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Copanut again.

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by PGH423

Let’s have no taxes at all. Maybe people who want roads to drive on, public schools, and police departments will just donate enough to cover everyone.

I think my issue is I don't mind paying taxes, I would like some more accountability by the taxing bodies. I feel the first step when an issue arises is to raise taxes, maybe the first step should be to evaluate the budget and tighten the purse strings.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by guy2073

I think my issue is I don't mind paying taxes, I would like some more accountability by the taxing bodies. I feel the first step when an issue arises is to raise taxes, maybe the first step should be to evaluate the budget and tighten the purse strings.

Bingo

And for those that feel the need to pay more in taxes, feel free to pay/donate more.

[eschaton]

IMHO the logical solution to the issue of suburban commuters utilizing city services yet not paying their fair share of taxes is to dust off the city-county merger idea - at least in a department-by-department fashion.

For example, I think it's fair to say that commuters and others who live outside the city put as much, if not more, wear and tear on the major roads. Yet aside from the bridges, the county isn't responsible for maintaining many roads within city limits. Transfer control of the main thoroughfares - like Penn, Liberty, Fifth, and Centre - to the county, and ensure that suburbanites and city residents both have to pay for maintaining these roads.

[PuppiesandKittens]

Originally Posted by gladhands

Philly taxes commuters' wages at nearly 3.5%. Commuters use city resources, and give nothing back.

https://www.wesa.fm/post/why-doesnt-...l-commuter-tax

Commuter taxes just drive jobs to other areas, in many cases. Philadelphia and NYC are big enough that people will just pay the tax rather than relocating; Pittsburgh isn’t big enough to have that kind of result.

[PGH423]

Originally Posted by guy2073

I think my issue is I don't mind paying taxes, I would like some more accountability by the taxing bodies. I feel the first step when an issue arises is to raise taxes, maybe the first step should be to evaluate the budget and tighten the purse strings.

There is accountability - elections. You can’t expect to be happy with the way every tax penny is spent. Politicians are elected to represent the beliefs of a diverse population, not just your beliefs.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by PGH423

There is accountability - elections. You can’t expect to be happy with the way every tax penny is spent. Politicians are elected to represent the beliefs of a diverse population, not just your beliefs.

Like Ravenstahl? He’s a reason why accountability of most every penny of tax money should be questioned/accounted for.

[bradjl2009]

Originally Posted by PGH423

There is accountability - elections. You can’t expect to be happy with the way every tax penny is spent. Politicians are elected to represent the beliefs of a diverse population, not just your beliefs.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to PGH423 again.

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by PGH423

There is accountability - elections. You can’t expect to be happy with the way every tax penny is spent. Politicians are elected to represent the beliefs of a diverse population, not just your beliefs.

That is the problem, accountability should not occur every 4 years, it should be ongoing.