There have been several articles and columns in the Tribune lately about the referendum to combine the offices township assessors with county assessors. I want to urge our readers to vote NO.
Governor Daniels has been "streamlining" our state government for the past four years, some of it may have been successful and much of it was not successful.
One example that comes to mind is the welfare system. People used to have social workers who knew their circumstances but now they must call an automated system if they have a problem, even if their check is late. We all know how inefficient that system has become.
I just cannot understand how combining two offices in each county will save taxpayers any money. Are the staff of the county supposed to take on this extra work without increasing the number of employees? Are they allowed to work overtime? As Assessor Sillings said to the "Tribune" there will still be the same amount of parcels to assess.
As far as this being an antiquated system, New Albany Township assesses property according to market value. The system has been changed three times since 1816. The General Assembly wanted all property to be valued uniformly, that is a good idea but how can an understaffed, overworked county assessors office make sure this happens?
Sometimes we can go too far with combining offices to save money. I think this is one of those times.
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27 comments:
I also agree. I think it would be a mistake to transfer control to the County Assessor.
Wouldn't it be a good idea to have one less elected official?
I agree - vote NO.
Also, I think the Parks Department should be separated again - County Parks Department and City Parks Department.
Deciding whether or not to get rid of the assessors position as an elected official is a difficult decision. I feel that keeping the city assessor is the best way to go.
I think the county assessors office is to political. They play with the valuations of property.
How about cleaning up New Albany?
No way, someone might say it's racist!
Hi I'm Joe the taxpayer. I say NO to tranfering power to Assessor Egge. The Democrat Assessor completely screws the taxpayers.
The Democrats have completely ruined the assessment system. I say vote No too.
It's essential that the city maintain accountability and keep the city assessors office.
I say hell no.
Keep the position and office open. New Albany cannot afford another political office.
Did you hear the county is $3 million in the red. Just ask the county assessor why.
WOULD THAT GIVE TOO MUCH POWER TO THE COUNTY ASSESSOR?
The county assessor has the power over the township assessor. I say reduce local government.
I think Mrs. Sillings office and staff should stay. I'm voting NO.
Of Indiana's 1,008 township assessors, 567 lack the certification that qualifies them to determine the value of property. In essence, more than half of the people in key positions to determine the amount of property tax bills are unqualified.
Barbara is. I say NO way.
I hear the county assessments are wrong, some people get an undesered break, and others pay more than they should.
I say spread the bill to all and vote no.
The services provided at the township level could easily be rolled up to the county(or city) which would like save taxpayer dollars and provide better service.
If state officials are serious about saving money then they can start by axing of 84% general fund that goes to Police and Fire.
I will agree that there are certain instances where having township government seems pretty asinine. Not many people identify with, or even know the boundaries of, their township.
There might be some cost savings in eliminating townships, but I wouldn't say that it would result in better service.
Vote NO
My question: What happens to the overall community if it loses township?
Do we gain individualism?
I'm sorry the township assessors are providing a unique service. They know this area, follow the rules, and make sure we are not taken advantage of.
Mines a NO vote.
Absolutely do not give over the power of township to the county. There are better ways to save money then axing leadership in township.
Where will checks & balance come from and who the heck will answer a call if there is a problem? I like our township assessor.
Assessor Egge has become the Indiana State Poster Child for how NOT to do a property tax reassessment or her job. But instead of simply and properly doing the job she was elected to do, she continues to waste taxpayers' money with yet another politically motivated smokescreen. Indiana state legislators need to give citizens the right to recall abusive and incompetent elected officials.
The township assessor would be under the County. Not the city or state.
I fought with the county assessor (Egge) on my new home when it was built. It took my attorney writing a letter that promised we would see her rear in court if they did not refigure the value of the property. I hardly call that a good system.
My family will vote NO!
So if we get rid of the township assessor where will we ask questions about our property taxes?
24 comments from what -- maybe 5 writers?
LOL!
Well, if their man Mitch is for it, I reckon I'm against it, too.
Smokescreens. There is no question if "they" are doing their jobs or no. Overlay; 3 forms of government; I vote yes.
Stick with beer Roger, No what I really meant to say keep passing out your daily flavored kool-aid.
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