RANDOM THOUGHTS from the retirement lane. I received my 2012 property reassessment today. According to Prince William County, the economy is reviving: my assessment rose by 0.9% from 2011. Of course it's still down 42% from its high.

But never mind that. What's interesting is that when property values go down, the tax rate goes up and the taxes remain the same. When property values go up, the tax rate remains the same and taxes go up.

Imagine that.