Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Taxes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioner Ronnie Laws urges Ranlo to address property tax rise and numerous speed bumps
Summary
Commissioner Ronnie Laws used the public comment period to say a recent revaluation 'tripled' his home's assessed value, urged the town to lower tax rates and asked officials to reconsider numerous speed bumps that he said damage vehicles. The mayor pledged to look into both issues.
Commissioner Ronnie Laws spoke during public comment to say a recent reassessment had sharply increased residential valuations and left him paying much higher property taxes.
"A couple years ago, maybe 3 years ago, the valuation on our homes was done again. It tripled," Laws said, adding that neighboring jurisdictions lowered their tax rates while Ranlo kept its rate the same. He said the higher bills have eaten into expected retirement income and asked the council to consider reducing the town's rate.
Laws also criticized the number and placement of speed bumps, saying several force vehicles to stop and have damaged his car and that police enforcement would be a better option to deter speeding. He gave his address as 2908 Teton Drive.
The mayor responded that the administration would "look into" both the valuation/tax concern and the speed-bump issue and explore options, including cost checks on traffic-calming measures. Commissioner Chavette Hill suggested residents pursue an HOA petition to address neighborhood traffic-calming installations, and the mayor said staff would follow up.
Why it matters: If assessed values rise but rates do not adjust, bills can increase substantially for long-term residents; traffic-calming choices affect vehicle wear, emergency access and neighborhood quality of life. The administration’s review could lead to an ordinance review, budget adjustments, or changes to traffic-calming practice.
Next steps: The mayor said staff would investigate the valuation and tax-rate question and look into speed-bump placement and costs; no formal action or vote on tax policy or traffic-calming was taken at the meeting.
