Who are the hypocrites? The Minneapolis homeowners who "know" their properties are "worth" more than their "taxable" values. They brag about "increased values" but are UNWILLING to pay their fare share of the tax burden. They are the loudest complainers about "lack of public resources".
They are the people who vote for ridiculous spending - as long as someone else pays. In fact, several complaining Listmembers have actually received their homes and/or upgrades to their homes at the expense of Minneapolis taxpayers. Don't forget that the MCDA handed out millions of dollars worth of "forgivable" loans to Minneapolis residents. These payments are gifts of public money - and should be taxable income for State and Federal purposes. May of these people are on the public payroll too. Of all people, they should be willing to pay their fare share. I spend a lot of time researching tax records and I am quite confident that I could increase the City's tax base by at least $10 million immediately - simply by correcting errors and under-assessments. A random example that I came across the other day: 4200 Dupont Ave N. Purchased in 2001 for $185,000, current tax value is $122,900. Why? I've found hundreds of similar examples. Ron Leurquin writes: "A rental unit in my association is only taxed about $300 more than the non-homestead units just like it. Both units worth about $180,000." Vicky says there is clearly a "mistake" on the part of taxing authorities here. If Mr. Leurquin provides the addresses and unit numbers - I'll get to the bottom of it. The unit might be mis-classified or a family member might be "renting" the unit in which case it can still be homesteaded. Another lingering question: Why is Minneapolis the only City in the State with its own assessor? [I think this is true, but not sure] Usually the Counties calculate real estate tax values. Vicky Heller North Oaks and Cedar-Riverside for a few more months REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
