Taxes should be fair, simple and easy to collect, according to a finance committee established by Madison County officials.In order for the county to boost revenue and offset increasing costs, the group suggests officials eliminate some hard-to-figure out taxes and jointly purchase goods and services among separate county departments. 

Madison County residents will likely face increases to most county tax rates and fees later this year. The proposed $37.9 million budget contains a 12.5 percent increase of the equalized real estate tax rate – bringing it to 45 cents per $100 of assessed value. Officials estimate the rate and fee increases will provide the county an additional $1.78 million for the 2008-2009 fiscal year – including an additional $195,500 to support Madison County Public Schools.