County offers tax relief for storm victims

As Jackson resident John Baker put it, thinking about paying property taxes on a house that was destroyed by a tornado would be overwhelming.

It's a good thing he won't have to.

Neither will any of the Cape Girardeau County residents whose homes were destroyed in the May 6 storms, thanks to a recent decision by the county commission.

The commission adopted an occupancy law for the county, meaning those residents whose homes were destroyed by the twister will not have to pay any tax on the property -- whether it be for the schools, city or the county -- for the rest of the year.

The law applies to residences only, not businesses or vehicles.

The county is still far from determining how much revenue this may cost the different taxing entities that collect property tax. But the tax reprieve is a good thing to do. These people have enough to worry about without having to worry about property taxes on houses that can't be occupied.

The commission should be lauded for its action.