County must fix its property tax system
Letters to the EditorPublished December 1, 2005
Re: Tax fighter signs up thousands, Nov. 27 Times story by Asjylyn Loder.
To Linda Hayward's efforts, we say thank you for starting this tax rebellion. For a while, my wife and I felt we were the only ones who considered taxes in Hernando County to be too costly.
In light of recent inquiries to the Tax Collector's Office, we have found that the taxes on a new home, half the size of our current home and costing considerably less, would generate almost twice as much in property taxes than we are currently paying (impact fees not included). Needless to say, our quest for a smaller home is on hold.
Please understand, we are not looking for sympathy. We can handle our finances quite well. However, we cannot in any way, shape or form justify an additional monthly expenditure of that magnitude.
While this overburdensome tax system may not hurt or affect everyone, it is hurting the majority of people currently trying to buy new homes, mostly first-time buyers with low incomes or senior citizens looking to relocate or downsize.
Also, don't forget the seniors living on very tight budgets who helped build this county. They can afford the home, they just can't afford the outrageous taxes. So much for affordable housing! The county just taxed them out of the market.
As Ms. Hayward referenced, "skyrocketing property values" coupled with a now antiquated tax system has created a burden that no longer can be tolerated.
Wake up, Hernando County. You're taxing yourself out of business.
-- Bob Seruga, Spring Hill
Exotics don't make good pets
Re: Exotic animals bring out big-spending bidders, Nov. 28 Times:
I was appalled to read the story about exotic animals being bought, sold and traded like they were trading cards. Ninety-eight percent of these animals die in the first year because their buyers are ill prepared for their special needs.
You can get a lot more of the facts about people who abuse animals like these on these two pages: www.bigcatrescue.org/animal_abuse.htm and www.bigcatrescue.org/
bigcatexhibition.htm
-- Carole Baskin, CEO
Big Cat Rescue (an educational sanctuary home)
Tampa
Thanks for Old Glory waving
Re: Sen. Mike Fasano:
A lot of us veterans served God and country, and a lot did not come back. They gave their lives for our freedoms.
Our homeowners association would not let us fly American flags, nor flags for POWs or branches of the service.
Thanks to Gov. Jeb Bush, Sen. Mike Fasano and a lot of good elected officials, all of Florida now can fly U.S. flags.
-- James C. Santo Sr., Hudson