November 7, 2006 4:34 PM GMT
Mary Grace--
Yes...and no.
A community has to be reasonable in its approach to this kind of thing. On one hand, these churches do get police protection, community services, and so forth. If a communuity is losing its tax base because people are moving away, thus lowering an already low revenue, then they may have to ask--instead of a tax, which is onerous--a fee for public services. Could be a $120/year thing, or something reasonable...say, $20/month per 100 on the rolls.
On the other hand, churches are (usually) tax free because they often offer public services (such as feeding the needy, counselling, etc.) that the city simply cannot. Even a small fee can get out of hand.
As you said, "...tis a mess."
Luv 'n hugs,
Dr. Mina Sakura