Cedar Key News: Skyrocketing Property Taxes

email: cedarkeynews@gmail.com Phone: 352-543-6970
"News, of the people, by the people, for the people."

Articles

Less

Letters to the Editor: Alas Buddy
August 26th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: No Gulf Trail
August 26th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Responsibilities of a Public Figure
August 14th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Great Storm Coverage!
August 14th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Thank You to the Firefighters of Levy County
August 5th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Getting Rid of Old Computers
July 28th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Great Celebration!
July 9th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Business Card Request Letter a Hoax?
June 21st, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Thank You Cedar Key!
June 12th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Request for Election Information
June 9th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Military Study Highlights Negative Impact of Bombing Range
May 29th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: A BIG LOSS
May 24th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Cedar Key Cedar Where?
May 17th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Lost Cat Found
May 14th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Farewell and Thank You!
May 10th, 2004

More

Skyrocketing Property Taxes

Letters to the Editor

"I am writing as a concerned citizen and property owner in Cedar Key. I am appalled at the skyrocketing property taxes and believe that we should all get involved in this issue. My taxes are proposed to increase by over $4,378 in one year (an increase of over 38%) on a small house (1,180 square feet) and property. The year before that the taxes increased by 29%. The proposed taxes are unfair and for several years now have far exceeded the appreciation of the property. It appears that much of Levy county is trying to exist on the backs of those that own homes and property in Cedar Key.

I do not currently homestead my house in Cedar Key but I should not be punished for that. My husband and I own a home in Gainesville and have been saving up for over 30 years to be able to afford a small place in Cedar Key where we could eventually retire. We have been fishing and visiting in Cedar Key for all of our life and have contributed much to the city for many years by renting local places, buying food in restaurants and the grocery store, as well as many other places in town. We really care about the town and the people who live there. The taxes just take away money from the town that could otherwise have been spent in local establishments.

The taxes also make it hard for anyone that does want to sell any property - including people who have lived there for some time. Cedar Key in now known throughout the state and beyond as a very expensive place to have property - primarily because of the taxes. Even people that buy a home planning to homestead balk at the property taxes they will start with. And.. the services provide to this city do not justify this level of taxes.

I will close by saying that I could understand an increase in taxes that would be larger than the 3% enjoyed by those that homestead but 30% to over 100% (proposed for one of my friends that recently built a home) is totally unfair - I would even suggest criminal. I ask any of you that are concerned by this issue to please get involved."

Paula Varnes Fussell

Click for printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend