This bill establishes certain guidelines for local governments if they wish to compete with private entities in the recreation and entertainment market.
This bill requires a local government to provide clear and convincing evidence that taking a property through eminent domain for recreational purposes is truly necessary.
Even if the golf course plans went off without a hitch, financially speaking, the question remains: is this the proper role of government and an appropriate use of taxpayer money? The answer is no.
When the permitting process is too complicated, too expensive, or takes too long to accomplish, it's more than just a headache—it can be downright dangerous.
The problem with this practice is that it undermines the important difference between a fee and a tax. Fees are payments in exchange for a quantitative public service while taxes cover the remaining immeasurable services that benefit society as a whole.
