THE PUBLIC MIND: READER HAS CONCERNS ABOUT SPECIAL TAX BILLS

To the Editor:

In the March 9 issue of the Southeast Missourian newspaper, on Page 2A, I read with interest about the Cape five-year capital improvements plan. Of particular interest was the paragraph that reads: Special assessments will be used to finance much of the street and lateral sewer projects in the plan.

On March 4, 1992, we received our special tax bill assessment in the amount of $1,176.72 for the 1991 improvement for our street footage on Montgomery (front) and Louis (side) streets. I have been told by two residents that live on Louis Street that they have paid for the street improvements several times while living in their present homes.

The majority of the home occupied owners on both streets appeared at the City Council meeting on Jan. 22 and a representative group again on Feb. 3 to voice opposition to the special assessments against the property owners and to the quality of the improvement. We did not prevail in getting the city to share in the paving costs. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate the overall quality of the improvement at a 6. I have lived in several cities during the past 40 years and this is my first special tax bill for street maintenance or any other reason.

At the City Council meetings it was made clear that the city owns the right-of-way and it is usually 40-feet wide. I was also informed by the Cape city police that there is no weight limit law on residential streets. This means that an 80,000-pound tractor trailer rig can travel over our new 3-inch layer of black topped street and it is completely legal.

It is interesting to note the articles in the Southeast Missourian~:

(1) Feb. 9, Page 3: Anna targets street improvements. Paragraph 2: "These projects will be funded by motor fuel tax funds which are allocated to the City."

(2) Feb. 17, Page 6: (Opinion), Paragraph 1. "City Officials are justified in their dissatisfaction with an evolving government-imposed regulation that will require the expenditure of a good chunk of City revenue and they should let the government know they are irritated." Paragraph 7. "Councilman David Barklage, a member of the Missouri Municipal League, said the league is aware that Cities are upset by the mandates, and a top priority of the league is to stop them without funding."

I read someplace where the black top resurfacing projects for 1991~ as approximately $100,000. My advice to those residents that see new black top resurfacing being put on their street in 1992 to start saving their money for the tax bill or attempt to get the city ordinance changed.

Charles Hickman

Cape Girardeau