TheIndyChannel.com

ticketnetwork
ticketnetwork
Politics
Related To Story

Protesters Demand Property Tax Elimination

Demonstrators: Reassessment Not Enough

POSTED: 8:42 pm EDT July 26, 2007

Fed up with skyrocketing property tax bills, hundreds of people marched to Delaware County's government building Thursday to call for the tax's elimination, 6News' Norman Cox

The protest came a day after Gov. Mitch Daniels ordered a property reassessment in Delaware County and a few other counties -- a move that could ultimately lower many homeowners' tax bills.


Capitol WatchBlog: Property Tax Crisis Analysis

The governor also said people in those counties would be able to pay the amount they paid last year, with the difference -- either up or down -- to be made up later. But Thursday's protesters said the move wasn't enough, 6News' Norman Cox reported.

"There will never, ever be property tax relief until it is repealed," one of the protesters, Bill Harter, said. "You need to contact your representative and your senator."

About 300 to 400 people marched through the streets of Muncie at about noon. The procession partially blocked downtown traffic, but police said the demonstrators were peaceful and orderly.

One of the participants, Linda Dunn, was recently widowed and is raising a granddaughter. She said this year, her most recent half-year property tax bill was $1,600, and her only income -- $518 per month -- is from Social Security.

Cox asked her how she could make it.

"I can't," she responded.

Three hundred to 400 people participated in Thursday's protest in Muncie.

Daniels said he ordered Delaware County's reassessment because the most recent assessment put an unfair portion of the tax burden on homeowners. Daniels said the values of too few industrial properties increased, causing homeowners' tax bills to rise too high and the industrial owners' bills to rise too little.

Delaware County Assessor James Carmichael said the protesters had every right to be upset with the valuations. But he said they weren't his fault, arguing he was just following state instructions.

Carmichael said the state is only now finding fault with his work after approving it 10 months ago.

"This is something that could have been curtailed months ago, and they had the opportunity to do that, and they didn't do it," Carmichael said.

Carmichael said most of Delaware County's problems can be blamed on the Legislature's actions two years ago to cap the amount the state pays to subsidize homeowners' taxes.


Links We Like

Sponsored Content

Psoriatic arthritis pain can range from mild to excruciating. Many people can control their pain but others suffer severe joint damage. Learn what treatments are available for psoriatic arthritis and how they work. More

Nothing makes moving more tiresome than sifting through clutter. Here are some tips for getting rid of your stuff and eliminating the hassle. More

In the workplace it’s the little things that get you noticed and help you stand out above the rest. Do these things and increase your chances for a promotion. More

Watch for the signs of risky driving and what to do if it’s time for your parent to give up the keys. More

Like online video? Then you'll love Now See This.

Links We Like includes a selection of information, tools and resources from our partners and sponsors.

Sponsored Links

Consumer Info

Sponsored Content Provided by ARA

Desktop Alert