For those of you listening to the lines today - you might have caught Simon giving a great argument against the increased property assessments in St. John's.
One couple is taking some action by writing City Hall with their beef.
They have given Sue's Blog permission to post.
I have removed the name of the steet and Jim and Patricia's last name, as well as the employee for protection of their privacy.
The couple believes there should be a public meeting on this and I agree. If they are willing to post a number for people to call - in an effort to start a public protest I will do so.
They will let us know anything new as it happens.
Maybe it's time for Municipal Affairs to have a look as well.
September 19, 2006
Mayor Andy Wells
City Councillors
St. John's City Hall
Dear Sirs and Ms. Duff,
Upon receiving our property assessment for next year, we were shocked
and dismayed by the monumental proposed increase, as is eveyone we have
contacted since.
We are filing a complaint against this inaccurate assessment and the
lack of policy and regulation to determine a fair property value of homes in
the city, particularly those in the downtown. Based on a conversation with
the assessment department this morning, the taxable value of our property
was determined by a city employee driving down ? Street
and looking at the outside of the house and then looking up the market value
for two years previous. We are not satisfied with this unjustifiable
practice and request a proper evaluation based on criteria such as area,
age, condition, depreciation, nuisance and other factors that impact on the
current value, not the market value of two years ago.
As our ward councillor was unable to approach this subject at a recent
council meeting, we wonder when you propose to have an open discussion on
this very urgent matter. We think a public meeting should be called to talk
about these issues and determine a revision of the current methods of
appraisal.
Jim and Patricia
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