In a recent government meeting, officials expressed frustration over the growing tax burden on homeowners, attributing the issue to a significant shift in property tax assessments. The discussion highlighted the increasing financial pressure on residents as property values have surged, with residential homes now accounting for 67% of total taxes, up from 54% in 2013.

Officials pointed out that while the value of residential properties has skyrocketed from $2.4 billion to $7.5 billion, centrally assessed properties, such as utilities, have not seen a proportional increase in their tax contributions. In fact, centrally assessed properties paid $1.67 million less in taxes in 2023 compared to the previous year, a gap that has been filled by homeowners.

The meeting also touched on the impact of a five-year freeze on the state’s property tax rate, which officials believe exacerbated the situation. During this period, as home values rose, the tax rate remained unchanged, leading to higher tax bills for homeowners without a corresponding increase in revenue from centrally assessed properties.

Officials urged community members to engage with state legislators, emphasizing the need for a more equitable tax system that does not disproportionately burden homeowners. The call to action reflects ongoing concerns about the influence of corporate lobbyists on tax policy and the need for legislative support to address these disparities.