Why do I have to pay Property Taxes?

Taxes pay for local government services. Your tax money supports and provides funding for: 179 authorities, 12 school districts, 10 bond funds, 12 general funds, 1 community college, 13 water and sanitation districts, 10 towns, 17 fire districts, 1 sewer district, 108 special districts, 2 library districts, 8 tax increment financing districts, 2 park and recreation districts. Total tax collection for these districts amounted to $380,670,936. Total tax collection for county funds amounted to $124,702,135. Total property taxes billed in 2014 for the year 2013 were $504 million.