TO THE EDITOR:

The (CCOWC) Concerned Citizens of Wilkes County, has asked that you give us equal space in your newspaper, thank you for this opportunity.

During the citizen's tax meeting of 12 Aug 2008 Mr. Sisson stated a computer glitch, bug or unknown person caused 150 of 3656 property assessments to be calculated in error (figure of assessment changes per Mrs. Powell). Not being a computer wizard, I fail to comprehend how this bug attacked only those certain ones. If the security in our tax office is so poor that they cannot tell who are changing figures at will, then we need them to have an initial go by each change, and not be able to come out of any page, program without first initialing them, and dating the change! Then if it happens deliberately, someone needs to be prosecuted as the citizens requested! We do not believe this is an unknown.

Mr. Sisson also stated 30% of taxpayers pay 80% of taxes, why is that? Why aren't taxes apportioned fairly? Do we have special properties indiscriminately located throughout the county?

Complete County re-valve has been requested on numerous occasions and; each time has been vehemently rejected by the taxing authority, and county commissioners. No one likes paying taxes; they are necessary, however, when certain properties have NOT been reassessed since 1991-1992 and others are increased every year or every other year, and when properties are sold for $900,000 and above, but are entered on the tax digest at 50% to 60% of the sales value perhaps there is a large disparity, glitch, bug or unknown in the computer? Mr. Sisson stated that the digest is supposed to be 38-42% to be in line with the states statutes, in Wilkes County. We are at 29% because some property have not been re-valved since 1991-1992! If the homeowner/small landowners are hit over and over, and the large landowners are not increased, the scales will tip in the wrong direction.

Even though our schools have fewer attendees each year, the school board refuses to comprehend the difficult economic conditions confronting taxpayers today and continue requesting larger and larger tax increases, although they have no authority to raise taxes; the county commissioners are the sole taxing authority in the county. When over 60% of other Georgia Counties suspend school tax for senior citizens (over 62 & 65) our commissioners continue to raise taxes on that faithful 30%. It is time the commissioner's pass this break along to the senior citizens of Wilkes County, the govenor passed it, our commissioners refuse to give it!

The burden on the 30% who are paying taxes for the rest is getting heavier by the day, it is time the county properties are apportioned fairly and everyone pay their proper share.

Since the economic downturn, property values for homes have had an 18% decrease across the United States; why does the tax office completely ignore this problem? Increasing, instead of decreasing taxpayers' burdens. Why do you think that Mr. Sisson stated, we should throw tires on the roofs of our homes, and not cut our grass, or improve our property? We, who work for our places, upkeep them, are the homes that are being penalized! We cannot believe he truly thought this was a solution to our tax problems, in Wilkes County! What a solution, Huh!

Mr. Sisson stated that if the digest is thrown out, it would cost $900,000 in this county to fix; well Mr. Sisson, its time! We the citizens want it fixed, fair and balanced. Scare tactics are no longer listened to by the citizens.

In November we will vote on a referendum, the new 200 acre, 15 year policy for the new timber covenant, it will NOT help the average citizen; it only helps the large land owners! They already have a soil conservation, why should we the small land/homeowners, pick up the difference for them to grow timber? It is stated that if it is costing the county more than 3%, that the State has to pay the counties, well where does the state get that tax money? Me and You! Just another tax in disguise, helping just a few, not the majority! We say vote NO to this tax increase.

Why are the accessabilty/desirability codes all over the spectrum? Some at 1.0, some at 1.285, some at 2.285? Why are properties next to each other rated differently on soil codes? ie. C 1-5; some next to each other at 1, the one next door at 3-4; can't be that much difference in soil types next to each other! Same T1- 5, some next door 1, others at 3-4 next to each other! Disparity at it's finest!

We the tax payers are tired of the old, well it is a computer glitch; we don't know who did it; some of you will get a better break, while others pay more than their share. Fix it and fix it now! Quit using scare tactics, and trying to please the few; fix it fairly and across the board. Reduce it for one taxpayer, you MUST reduce it for all taxpayers! Not a selected few.

Taxpayers don't forget the deadline for appeal September 8, 2008! The next CCOWC Meeting will be September 16, 2008, 7:00 p.m., Mary Willis Library, join this most important effort.

MARY McPHERSON

president, CCOWC 8-28-2008-1p