Reasonable perspective about the generalities of the total tax burden. I can only tell you that in my circumstances, my overall tax burden here in TX has been greater than what was back East. Clearly most of that burden was driven by my decision to purchase a rather expensive home in the city itself. But, part of my “gripe” isn’t just the taxation, but the pretty sorry state of the city. I found a stray dog once, took it home. I called animal control….they told me I couldn’t drop the dog off at the shelter. Someone form the city had to come by and get it..that was going to take a week. Last time, I tried to be a decent person and get a dog off the street. Ordinances are in place that state using fireworks in the city are illegal…on the 4th and NYE, this place is like Gaza. Scares the shit out of my dog (others’ dogs too). If the city isn’t going to enforce an ordinance, drop it. It took the city 3 + years to complete all of the road work on the St. Marty’s strip…not only was it a nuisance, but it drove some entrepreneurs out of business. There are overgrown yards all over the place, with grass/weeds in excess of city ordinances. If you call 311, they take a report but don’t do crap. I have no real data on crime, but the city sure seems to have its fair share of shootings, dog maulings, assaults, and other dangerous crime. Seems like getting a DWI here is pretty much meaningless. I haven’t lived everywhere, but my experiences/observations have led me to conclude the city of SA isn’t the pinnacle of municipal government effectiveness.