As states go, West Virginia’s taxation system is not all that bad.  My sister Doris lives in New York, and her property taxes are outrageous when compared to ours.  Yes, we have a food sales tax, but it’s actually coming down (now at 4 percent).  But every once in awhile, the folks with their hands in our pockets do something that just makes me shake my head.

July First marked the start of the new fiscal year, so it’s personal property tax time. Every year at about this time, we have to fill out a ridiculous form for our county assessor that’s mailed along with our tax bill, telling her just how many sheep, goats, and cars without engines we still own.

This year, there’s a new twist: the “Coyote Fund Fee.”  Don’t ask; I have no idea.  Maybe the coyotes have picketed in front of the state capitol complex, or perhaps they have a strong lobbyist.  Oh, well.  I guess the cougars will just have to wait until next year.