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Residents urge deeper tax cut as reassessments and fixed incomes bite
Summary
During a public hearing on the FY27 tax rate, several residents told Petersburg council that reassessments and higher costs are squeezing seniors and owners on fixed incomes and asked for a larger reduction or targeted relief.
At the Feb. 26 public hearing on the FY27 real property tax rate, multiple residents urged the council to reduce the rate more than the staff'recommended 5-cent cut.
Raymond Crockett Jr., who gave his address during public comment, said many residents are on fixed incomes and noted property assessments "went up 30 to 40%." He asked the council to consider "maybe another 2¢" because higher assessments will raise taxpayers' bills starting July 1. Cathy Walker, who also provided her address, echoed the concern: "There are a lot of people on fixed incomes... I think people are crushed right now."
Samuel Dobie said one of his properties increased 200% over recent assessments and described the cumulative reassessment pattern as "outrageous," arguing that tax relief should be prioritized for older residents and lower-income households. The council acknowledged these concerns but pointed to constraints posed by recurring costs and outstanding capital and operating needs.
