Why do we have a property tax?

Properties are appraised so that citizens share the cost of having schools, fire and police protection, waste disposal and other public services. It is important to keep values accurate and current so that everyone pays their fair share of these costs, in proportion to the value of their individual properties. The property tax is part of a balanced revenue system. It is a more stable source of money than sales and income taxes, because it tends not to fluctuate as much when communities have recessions. When the municipality spends your tax dollars on better schools, parks, sewers, and other services, you receive the benefit of increased property value.