Reviewing my bill as I checked out of a hotel in Houston, Texas I noticed the occupation tax I paid. After each day’s charge the itemized bill listed:

STATE OCC TX 6%
CITY OCC TX 7%
CNTY OCC TX 2%
SPORT OCC TX 2%

My bill included 17% OCC TX. The hotel was full the entire time I was there. I did wonder what they used that money for.

I paid our property tax this week. Our mortgage company does not escrow and pay the property tax for us. Twice a year I go down to the Lincoln County Treasurer’s Office and pay our property tax. This ritual makes real our contribution to the good life. I was the sixth person to arrive at the Treasurer’s office. As we stood around waiting for the office to open one taxpayer said, “isn’t it ironic we are eagerly standing in line waiting to pay our taxes.” These taxes I pay help provide the water I drink. With this investment I have access to roads I use to drive to work. The trash I create is hauled off weekly. With this investment I support all the services at the heart of the good life I experience in North Platte.