I think taxes should be increased on those with investment homes, second homes, mansions, and the income and wealth of the wealthy rather than just nickel and diming the middle class.
Just looking at my latest report on my property tax bill (which was about $3k USD for 2022):
- about 45% of the amount went to local city administration, which includes civic services like police, fire, etc.; the city had a nearly balanced budget for the year (<$1k US away from balanced)
- about 55% of the amount went to the local school board (who are directly voted on by the city's populace and can directly levy property taxes) for teachers, administrators, building maintenance, etc.; the school board did not have a balanced budget on account of bond issues for new construction in anticipation of ongoing new housing construction
- 3% went to the local library (whose board is partially appointed by the mayor and partially self-selected), which had a small budget surplus