Letter: Property taxes should pay for better services

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Friday, Jan. 14, 2005 | 4:42 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

January 15 - 16, 2005

Not being a property owner, but being a 25-year citizen of a county where many services are funded at well below the national average, I have a hard time feeling sorry for property owners whose net worth and equity borrowing power has increased dramatically.

Why should they, regarding their property taxes, receive special treatment? By definition, this proposed special treatment would reduce the money available for underfunded services.

The reality is that property prices have skyrocketed, crowding out many moderate- and lower-income citizens from affordable housing or business location opportunities. Perhaps such increasing taxes might slow the skyrocketing and the crowding out.

Longtime homeowners? If they logically desire to retain rather than sell their homes, then they have more than adequate home-equity borrowing power as provided by the increased value. Let's use common sense and take advantage of the current popularity of our valley to get the provision of services at least up to national averages.

RICHARD L. CONNER