Man pleads for help as property taxes skyrocket

In a recent government meeting, a local resident expressed deep concerns over a significant increase in property taxes, which rose by $1,700 in a single year. Bruce Dravetner, a single-income father of two, detailed his struggles to maintain his home after a fire destroyed his initial project. He secured a loan of $24,700 to build a steel structure on his property, located on Valley Road, but now finds himself unable to cope with the steep tax hike.

Dravetner emphasized his commitment to the community and his desire to remain in the county, despite the financial strain. He described his home as a modest two-bedroom, one-bath structure with an open floor plan, built on a slab. He highlighted the challenges of living in an area with limited job opportunities and rising costs, stating that the tax increase feels overwhelming for his family.

During the meeting, county assessors discussed the valuation process, noting that the increase was based on the completion of his home and the lack of comparable sales in the area. Dravetner argued that the assessment does not reflect the realities of the local housing market, where many properties are not selling frequently, leading to inflated valuations.

The assessors acknowledged the concerns raised by Dravetner but indicated that the valuation process is based on established criteria and recent sales data. They also mentioned that Dravetner had missed the deadline to appeal the previous year's assessment, complicating his situation further.

As the meeting progressed, Dravetner sought information on potential programs that could assist him in managing his tax burden, expressing frustration over the lack of support for local families facing similar challenges. The discussion highlighted the broader issue of affordability in the county, as residents grapple with rising property taxes amid stagnant wages and limited economic growth.