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"Property Taxes are the Worst" — But Bonds and Levies are Fine? By Rachel Hazelip, M.A.P.P. (06/09/25, updated with Nowhere to Hyde video on 06/13/25)
Rachel Hazelip of Idaho Freedom Foundation explains that high property taxes aren’t just caused by the legislature and the tax assessor. They are very much connected to the bonds and levies that a (usually small) group of voters approve, typically in off-year elections.
Hazelip writes:
It’s time for Idahoans who lament high property taxes to do better at defeating bonds and levies that hurt taxpayers. The Idaho Freedom Foundation has already provided a roadmap to end property taxes in Idaho — maybe it’s time for the Legislature to finally get to work on it.
So, in essence, unless we find a way to abolish property taxes, we will get the property taxes we vote for.
SUMMARY (Grok ai, edited; image from article)
Property taxes in Idaho are a pressing issue, widely seen as too high and morally wrong by conservatives, with bipartisan support for reduction.
Rising assessed property values and voter-approved bonds and levies drive increases, despite public frustration.
Low voter turnout, often around 13%, allows a minority, including those benefiting from bonds and levies, to approve significant tax hikes, like the $125 million in the May 2025 election.
Property taxes undermine property rights, a cornerstone of freedom, and advocates eliminating them or raising approval thresholds for bonds and levies.
Key Issues with Property Taxes
Rising Costs: Increased property values and approved bonds/levies raise taxes.
Public Frustration: Idahoans resent high taxes but often approve bonds/levies.
Low Voter Turnout: Only 13% turnout in May 2025 election; minority decides tax increases.
Bonds and Levies Explained
Bonds: Fund buildings (e.g., schools, fire stations) via borrowed money, repaid by property taxes; require two-thirds voter approval.
Levies: Cover operational costs (e.g., teacher salaries, park maintenance); direct property taxes for set periods.
Misunderstanding: Voters may not grasp bonds/levies impact, swayed by fear-mongering.
Impact of Voter Decisions
May 2025 Election:
10 bonds voted; 3 passed ($33M+).
50+ levies voted; 35+ passed ($90M+).
Total: $125M+ in voter-approved tax increases.
Low Turnout Issue: Consolidated elections see low participation, favoring groups like teachers/unions.
Proposed Solutions
Eliminate Property Taxes: Idaho Freedom Foundation views taxes as morally objectionable, against Founding Fathers’ vision.
Alternatives: Impact fees for new developments, better state reserve allocation.
Raise Approval Bar: Increase requirements for passing bonds/levies.
Legislative Action: Follow Idaho Freedom Foundation’s roadmap to end property taxes (link below): tinyurl.com/bdcnw6vd
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06/13/25 Update:
Nowhere To Hyde - The Real Reason Idaho Property Taxes Are So High (06/12/25, video 11:14 includes transcript)
Brian Hyde weighs in with an excellent video review of Rachel Hazelip’s article, plus a few comments about No Kings and Pride. He says, “If Idaho property taxes are something that should be eliminated, then we need to take a closer look at bonds and levies as well.”
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ED NOTE
Many bond issues and tax levies benefit only a few voters, and those are the folks who tend to vote in off-year elections.
Remember...
📌 Most bond issues and levies are sold with scare tactics.
📌 Your vote on bond issues and levies affects everyone’s taxes.
Think carefully before you vote YES on the next tax levy or bond issue. Before voting, study the details, not just the hype. Ask:
📌 Do we truly need the bond issue or levy?
📌 Does it fit within the proper role of government?
📌 What really would happen if the bond issue or levy should fail?