Richard Homsi: Laconia real estate taxes, assessment values are too high

To The Daily Sun,

I am not sure why the real estate taxes and assessment values in Laconia continue to escalate so rapidly causing them to be out of affordably out of reach.

Since 2019, real estate taxes on the waterfront in Laconia have increased over 100%. In the City of Boston, the rate has increased during the past two years by double digits, this year was 13% and this required Boston City Council to approve such a hike and made Channel 7 headline news. The State of California sets the assessed value of a piece of property once during the time of purchase and it stays at that amount until the property changes title. This concept allows elders to not burn through their retirement account if they have one, savings, inheritance or yearly income and allows them to stay in their home during their elder years without being forced out. This concept also allows someone that is lucky enough to purchase a piece of property maybe they only could afford if the taxes are reasonable over the years, such as a blue collar working family.

Some people who have inherited property can't stay and are being forced to sell. So sad.

Laconia's assessment is based upon sales, this is not a fair and reasonable practice. If someone overpays in a neighborhood, we all suffer. This has happened three times in the past five years in our neighborhood. The City of Laconia has bonds that are out of sight, city is in need of real affordable housing, streets in disrepair, unpaved roadways, while the city's budget is somewhere around $111 million or $340,000 daily.

I am confused about what is being done in this city and if it is being done to benefit the residents or not. Very disappointed. 

Richard Homsi

Laconia