HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 09-13 Where is the assessment solution? THE REVIEW Page 4A Wed., Sept. 13, 1978 THE REVIEW
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Where is the assessment solution?
The move on the part of leaders in Maplewood to A REPRESENTATIVE of the Metropolitan Council
explore the possibilities of finding help for told the city's leaders that funding help might have
assessment-plagued citizens is well-intentioned. It been available had exploration begun"before a spade
appears, however, to be too late. . . . put into the ground."
THE CURRENT dilemma has arisen because of a Yet,we know that the faces of Mayor John Greavu
healthy assessment for the city's new water tower. and Councilman Donald Wiegert are familiar ones at
Affected are those residents who live in the city's meetings of metro groups. These men have tried.
northern portion.
It seems ironic that, in an election year, politicos
For some citizens, this assessment, perhaps the are reporting that there are "bills pending to help
third in 10 years, may be the last they can sustain. senior citizens remain in their homes." But those bills
These are those persons living on fixed incomes. pending offer no immediate answers.
We have learned of a couple in their 705 for whom A senior citizen deferment offers an option: pay
this assessment may force them to sell their home. only the interest, $60 a year, and then settle up when
Now roughly one-half of their meager pension will go you sell. Or leave that to your heirs.
to pay taxes and the burdensome special
assessments. An alternative, they learned, will be to The pockets of poor,identified by leaders,need help
deed much of their land to the city. A still final choice immediately. We plead for leadership and wisdom.
is the grim suggestion that they sell their home of a The senior citizen couple is not alone. Help must
lifetime. come. — JGR