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Citizens raise questions at county tax hearingPosted: 12/13/02 by Laura Adelmann The conflict between rising property taxes and growing demand for human service programs was discussed by citizens attending Dakota Countyís Dec. 5 truth-in-taxation meeting. One citizen told Dakota County commissioners property taxes should be the highest in the nation to accommodate a needy population; next, a senior citizen said she is being taxed out of her home. Joann Anton, Lakeville, said that in 1994, her property taxes were $649.69; her estimated property tax bill for 2003 is $2,404.64. Anton said she canít afford to stay in her home, but finds itís an added financial burden to leave. ìI want an answer from you,î said Anton, stating that she and her friends are struggling to pay their property taxes, but find it equally difficult to afford to rent an apartment or buy another home. She also voiced concerns about the boardís decision to spend taxpayer money pursuing a salary raise for County Administrator Brandt Richardson. In a later interview, Anton explained, ìOther senior citizens brought this up to me and I felt incensed, too. At a time when taxes are forcing seniors out of their homes, the Dakota County administrator is getting a raise, and we taxpayers not only pay the money for lawyers, weíll pay more taxes if the administrator gets more. His raise will mean more money (for other county employees) right down the line. I think itís atrocious,î she said. During the meeting, county commissioners directed Anton to speak with Dakota County Treasurer Carol Leonard and other officials. Anton said they went through her property tax information, pointed out that one year taxes were reduced, and emphasized the countyís property tax rate is the lowest in the state. In addition, staff suggested she look into senior housing. ìThey told me I should look into the taxpayer-funded senior high-rises,î said Anton. ìI told them I couldnít bear that.î She explained that her home is perfectly designed and located for visits from her children and grandchildren. Apple Valley resident Alan Ingram, a Dakota County Human Services Advisory Committee member, told commissioners there is a growing need for human services in Dakota County, and most residents are so well-off financially that property taxes should be much higher to fund human services. For instance, he said refugees are in need of English-language immersion classes to get a job, but the county canít afford to offer that service. Ingram criticized the county for ìbragging about having the lowest property tax rates in the state when weíre one of the most wealthiest counties in the United States.î Further, he said, ìIf thatís the case, thereís no reason we shouldnít have one of the highest property tax rates in the state, even the country.î Ingram explained heís in favor of working together to solve problems and said heís concerned about the long-term social and financial implications of cutting or reducing prevention programs. Ingram explained that problems not addressed early in someoneís life may lead to bigger and more expensive problems for the community in the future. Four other citizens spoke during the meeting, most complaining about rising property taxes and/or asking the board to hold down spending. Wilton Anderson, a regular attendee of the countyís truth-in-taxation meetings, said the government in general has a spending problem, and it is negatively impacting his property taxes. As for Dakota County, he cited some problems with road construction work that was done by one of the countyís contractors near his Apple Valley home. But, he said, ìIím not mad at the county. In fact, Iím pretty proud of the county.î Laura Adelmann is at dceditor@frontiernet.net. © Thisweek Newspapers |
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