Housing, Taxes, Politics
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8/6/2007
I have lived in Fairbanks since 1976. I was just a child then. I now run a number of small businesses. Fairbanks used to have plenty of opportunities for young entrepreneurs but those times are changing.
Housing costs have doubled in the past 4 years which is actually tollerable but what isn't is the associated property taxes which is currently at 19 mils +. Property owners have the entire weight of tax responsibility on their shoulders as there are no other taxes at this time...but that is all about to change as well.
The local gov't has recently imposed a new business license tax and is in the process of trying to pass a business "gross recepts" tax. Yes I said GROSS RECEIPTS tax. So if a business makes 100k in a year in sales but it costs them 90k in expenses they will still be taxed on the 100k. The federal gov't doesn't even do that. Fairbanks gov't is penalizing those that create housing and jobs. This is anti-productive and is causing me to consider selling everything and moving out.
Have you seen the Alaska news lately. The alleged gov't corruption is running rampant from former Fairbanks Mayor James Hayes misuse of grant monies, to the recent purchase of property at less than market value from Senator Lisa Murkowski, to the recent raid of 4 decade Senator Ted Stephens home on possible bribery charges.
Like I said I am considering moving after 31 years in Fairbanks. If you are considering being a business owner and property owner I would consider another place if I were you. If you are here to live off of the welfare system you will do just fine.
Signed,
Disgusted In Alaska
Abhd | Fairbanks, AK