Some residents of Rutland, Vermont are mad as hell when it comes to their property taxes and they’re not going to take it anymore.
Or they’re going to try not to anyway.
Disgusted with their high assessments a number of property owners appeared in front of the Board of Civil Authority to request reductions—for a variety of reasons. (http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100914/NEWS01/709149869)
Some believe given the real estate market downturn a reassessment is in order--and that current market conditions should count more than what they bought the property for originally. One homeowner cited the fact his home was assessed at $108,000 while a nearby house recently sold for just $60,000.
Another property owner claims he was misled by the city. In February 2009 his property’s estimated worth was $290,000 with taxes of $8,050 but this year those numbers have jumped to a value of $649,100—with taxes a whopping $19,000. Ouch.
Add to these problems various reports of police activity and issues with drug dealers cited at some of the properties and it’s no wonder many of them have seen both a loss in value and inability to be sold.
Will these reasons be enough to get them a break from the tax man? Only time will tell. Teams of three board members will conduct inspections within 30 days and report back to the Board which will then make a final decision.
