Left In Lowell

Given all of the activities and discussion during the past two City Council meetings (LTC streaming video 1/8/08 and 1/15/08) floor as well as some of the press coverage regarding Lowell property taxes, one would think there is some kind of revolt. But if you read Mike Lafleur’s front page article in yesterday’s Sun (disregard the pictures and graphics) you will get a clear picture of what the facts are.

More than 40 percent of the nearly 23,000 residential properties in the Mill City will see their property-tax bills decrease this year. Roughly 24 percent of the city’s residential taxpayers can expect to see their bills go up by less than $100. But about 7,800 properties in the city saw tax bills increase by $100 or more. Hundreds were hit with increases of $300 or more.

According to the Lafleur article, the large increases were mainly due to “the state Department of Revenue pushing all communities to update and streamline how they assess properties… the state requires communities to reassess properties every year, to ensure they are taxed at ‘full and fair value’.” So in effect, those individuals who receive those hundreds of dollar increases in their taxes in previous years may not have been paying their fair share and now the scales have been balanced.

In CM Bernie Lynch’s blog reporting on the City-organized public meeting at the Senior Center “to explain the assessment process and in particular to address recent changes in appraisal methods,” the CM indicates that there were about 50 people there.

If you add the 76 people who have already filed for abatement (asking for a reduction on their property tax), that is about 126 property owners who are interested, compared to the 435 challenges filed in 2005. I do not remember the CC being so vocal and demonstrative back then when the reaction of the taxpayers was three times what is was this year.

If you believe that you are paying more than your fair share, here is the link to the Secretary of State page, “Abatement Tax Tip Facts.” It will guide you on how to file for property tax reconsideration with the City’s Assessor’s Office.

But please remember, if you want your property taxes not to rise, you need to have the CC control spending and look for new revenue. I know that this CC is looking into endorsing the Governor’s Casino Plan but I wish they would reconsider endorsing the Governor’s plan to allow municipalities to implement a local meal tax.