TIF is not a good thing for taxpayers

To the editor:

In the Dec. 16 paper, Gary L. Roberts called for a 'real estate union” because of the high taxation of Cedar Rapids ('Property taxes have become too high”). I'm not against unions. They serve the purpose of check and balance against corporate greed.

Let's look at the city giving away millions to developers to build condos downtown or businesses wanting to locate here, but need a little 'help” by getting our hard earned tax dollars and tax relief for years. This TIF thing gives money away in hopes it will boost the economy while cutting taxes that are used to 'fix streets” and 'plow streets” and pick up leaves and recycling every week. In my opinion, TIF is not a good thing for taxpayers. Along with or instead of a 'union,” the city could stop expecting the taxpayers of Cedar Rapids (or any other entity looking for a handout that doesn't need it) to pay for all this. If a company decided to locate here or build condos, why should we help them with TIF, can't they use their own money?

Mike Welsh

Cedar Rapids