Tax Assessments

http://http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5514773762182093204

By no means is this a problem with just Philadelphia. There are movements throughout Pennsylvania, including Bucks County, to have fair and equitable assessments created county and state-wide.

I'm kind of on the fence on this issue. On one hand, a property should be taxed at its correctly assessed value. On the other hand, purchasers of new, "high-end" communities which require new roads and other taxpayer provided provisions should have to pay more for their destruction of open space and those provisions.

I think that the amount of time you have owned/resided in your home should have some bearing on the amount of taxes you pay. This way we can protect seniors, discourage development and protect open space. Let's face it, this county doesn't need more half a million dollar homes...it needs affordable and ADEQUATE housing. Not age restricted, not top end. Residents that raise their children in our communities and maintain their residences for the next generation should not have to foot the bill for these mega-mansion developments that cater to the wealthy.

I do think a county-wide reassessment of all property should be done and specific rules set up for future assessments that place the burden of increased provisions on those homeowners/builders making NEW homes. There should also be a provision for seniors and low-income dwellings or buildings that service the community.

Lori T