Letter: Tax increases are harming residents

The financial stress that is being put on individuals and families by our elected officials in the form of new taxes each year must be looked at very seriously in terms of how the continual increases are affecting their lives.

The population of Carlton County has increased very little over my 80-plus years here, but taxes on the people have continued to increase at an alarming rate. Carlton County’s tax base is made up mainly of homeowners, who want to live here but are being taxed at such high rates it is really difficult for them. Carlton County is one of the highest-property taxed counties in the state because of our limited tax base. Many people have attended meetings, but very little is acted on by our elected officials, who seem to have a set agenda that apparently cannot be changed.

High property taxes are taking a toll on family household incomes each year. If homeowners would receive a 5- to 10-percent increase in income each year, their problem would be solved. Many homeowners are on fixed incomes or very low yearly income increases.

This is a very depressing situation: homeowners are afraid to upgrade their home because it would increase their assessment and create higher taxes for themselves. At the same time, the county, schools, cities and fire district have continued to add buildings, staff, equipment, etc. — without thinking or thanking the households who go into debt to pay for it all. Homeowners have no choice in this matter but to try and pay all their bills when they’re due — that is very stressful for families.

Individuals and families have no or very little input into these ever-increasing property tax hikes.

Clarence Badger, Cloquet