A Reader Writes In

Joe,

Check out this link and read the post from some guy saying "Enough Is Enough." I didn't want to violate copyright by copying and pasting the whole thing. But, wow! Sounds so much like Salisbury, except Barrie snuck her whammy in last year on the property tax hike, which was ON TOP of the INCREASED assessments. But this year, she wants to make up for her years of water/sewer neglect in one fell swoop or two at a time when the economy is in the PITS! Smart, real smart...NOT!

Anyway, here's the link, and I like the fighting attitude of this guy. Citizens shouldn't lie down and take this any more.

http://share.triangle.com/node/15924?page=1

SBYNews Reader


Enough is Enough!!!
Submitted by gridmaster on May 23, 2008 - 3:50pm.

In response to the proposed 11% increase in property taxes submitted by City Manager, Patrick Baker, to the Durham City Council, I say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! First it was Durham County's flawed tax evaluation based on a database so filled with errors that 9 of the 11 properties in my starter family neighborhood cul de sac were given values either too high or too low. When given proof of these errors, the response from the tax administration was that the area would be examined later and adjustments MIGHT be made. Then came the rejection of my extensively researched, documented, and detailed tax value appeal package with no explanation except that the value would remain the same and was based on the sale of properties in my area. Of course, the rejection was based on the same error filled database that first formulated the wrong appraised value. That was closely followed by the City Council adopting the staggering increase in water and sewer service charges, sewer rates and the adoption of tiered water rates that will disproportionally burden those who live on low and/or fixed incomes. Jumping on the bandwagon Durham County Commissioners are going to propose more property taxes on properties that have been valued at the now unreasonable rates dictated by the old housing boom. Now with everything increasing in cost - food, energy, utilities, gasoline - the Lame Duck City Manager proposes an 11% increase in property taxes!!! Property taxes will increase even with the so called "revenue neutral" decrease in the rate. The increase in property values was so great that even with the revenue neutral reduction, only one property in my cul de sac will have no increase in their taxes. All the rest of us will see a significant rise without the proposed 11%. On the same front page where I read of the increase there was a smaller headline that said "Thousands can't pay their power bills." This is a true sign of the difficulty people are having in paying their bills. Where are we suppose to find the money to pay for the increase in water and sewer rates, property taxes and the spiraling cost of the essentials of life? Wake up Durham City Council! Get Real Durham County Commissioners!!! Durham has the lowest per capita income of the Triangle's major cities and yet is expected to pay one of the highest property tax rates in the state. Do not continue to violate the sacred trust placed upon you by the citizens of this city. Stand up for those who have no voice and do the right thing for once. Do not allow this or any tax increase to be passed. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! Fellow citizens voice your concerns by attending the City Council public hearing on June 2nd! And call and email the Durham County Commissioners and tell them Enough is Enough!!! No more spending.