Letter: Don’t raise property taxes now

To the Editor:

After reading “Locals wary of property tax proposal” (R-E, March 31) and that “at least one commissioner says instituting a half-percent sales tax instead of raising property taxes isn’t the answer,” I felt a response from a struggling tax paying citizen is necessary.

Many cities report home values have decreased 20 percent. Some cities are reflecting more severe declines.

Why must property taxpayers continuously pick up the deficits?

We already pay property taxes on inflated assessed values of our properties and homes. As many struggling homeowners cannot sell their homes for even the assessed tax values, why should we be subject to higher property taxes?

When people are losing their jobs, homes and livelihoods, now is not the time to discuss property tax increases. City officials need to realize that the city and citizens alike are struggling. To continue to bleed the citizens dry is unacceptable,

Perhaps another look at wasteful spending is in order. Perhaps city officials (and commissioners) should take an across-the-board cut to get through this and/or every city program share the cuts equally across the board.

Whenever the financial belt tightens up, the city always cuts services to the very people who are paying for these services. In these times the cost cuts need to be shared by all.

Many employers are requiring employees to take unpaid time off in the sharing of this hardship. Why has the city of Red Wing not thought of doing the same that is expected of many of its working citizens? Are the City Officials exempt from concessions?

I think it may be time to show real leadership and let it trickle down from the top for a change.

Lets see all city officials — heads of office and council members — step up to the plate and give themselves a wage and benefit cut. Display your leadership and dedication to this city in these trying and deficit times.

You must not even consider raising property taxes on the already inflated assessed values when so many are barely able to maintain present obligations.

Many of us who are caught up in extended lay offs or job losses because of this national economic crisis cannot consider paying any more in taxes.

Sue Oelkers

Red Wing

Tags: opinion, property, taxes, do, not, raise