Nine locals engaged in a vigorous debate over taxes, property values and legislation at a budget hearing with Allen County commissioners on Tuesday.
Several of those were Allen County farmers and business owners upset over a significant increase to their property taxes, despite commissioners’ efforts to lower the tax rate by about a half of a mill.
The residents talked of the challenges they face with ever-increasing tax bills. One man said he feels as if he’s “renting” his property from the county because his tax bill is so high. Another said he has to choose whether to pay his taxes or buy life-saving insulin.
Commissioners said they had trimmed next year’s budget as much as they could without reducing services or personnel.
Much of the increase was beyond their control, commissioners argued, pointing to legislative requirements, inflation and increased costs for equipment and contracted services.
MUCH OF the discussion centered on assessed property values, something commissioners do not control. The county appraiser uses a formula dictated by the state, with little room for adjustments.
Steve Suchy spoke first.
He’s a diabetic who is retired and lives on a fixed income. His property value and his tax bill have increased year after year, even though he owns an older home and hasn’t made improvements. Suchy said he can’t afford the property taxes on his home.
“That check took my whole Social Security payment and I couldn’t buy insulin for a month,” he said of his most recent statement. “This is messing with my life. These are my golden years and I’m stuck at home in a chair, watching TV and hoping I don’t die.”
Appraiser Jamie Clark encouraged Suchy to meet with her later to discuss programs that could help.
Ray Maloney, owner of Ray’s Metal Depot, said he’s fine with having his property valued at a higher rate, but he thinks the county should keep its spending the same as last year.
“Tough decisions have to be made,” Maloney said. “When times got hard for me, I let people go.”
Randy Misenhelter agreed with Maloney, encouraging commissioners to cut expenses, even if that means a reduction in workforce.
“I know it’s a tough deal and sometimes those decisions need to be made,” Misenhelter said. “Every year my taxes go up. The cost of living goes up all the time too. But if I can’t buy groceries, the grocery store isn’t going to come and take my house.”
Commission Chairman David Lee said difficult decisions were made.
