Talk of Lufkin

By common sense

June 23, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this

Thank you for keeping us updated via Lufkin Daily!

By Island_Guy

June 24, 2009 1:38 AM | Link to this

Do the math:

1. City of Lufkin desires property tax increases
2. City of Lufkin makes a plan. Raise taxes in a higher percentage than what is actually needed, like an auto dealer or store does on sale items
3. City of Lufkin issues notices and mails them out
4. People receive their property valuation notices
5. People go ballistic
6. People run to fill out their protest forms
7. City of Lufkin Tax Division people smile with chagrin at the panic
8. People file their protest forms
9. City of Lufkin plays “cat-and-mouse” with people for a week or so
10. People get panicky
11. City of Lufkin then “discounts” the taxes and “re-evaluates” properties
12. People think they are getting a real-deal
13. In the end, City of Lufkin get what they originally need, or a little more
14. People, once again, think City of Lufkin has been so good to them.

Well, I don’t buy into “sales” of any kind, especially if you know the math that goes behind it all!

By Sansmentis

June 24, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this

Telford said people need to remember that the state has a lot to do with everything that is happening with Angelina County property values.

While that is true, Mr. Telford, it is still the same tired old excuse always employed in the attempt to provide cover for the local politicians complicit in this shakedown operation. It really doesn’t matter any more. We want to identify all officials at every level involved in this scheme, and register our opinion at the polls come election time. This dishonest process has gone on long enough.

By concernedtaxpayer

June 24, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this

I always hate being the bearer of bad news, but there is another election process that has a lot to do with property taxes going up. Bond issues that come up, like say perhaps the schools recent acquisition of a large parcel of land right outside the loop and the new expansion already under way. Unfortunately, most of the time when bond issues come up whether it be in Lufkin or any of the outlying towns the source for the actual funds with which to acquire said parcels and expansions is misrepresented. Not to mention the already steady debate about all the funds we have thrown into downtown, coupled with large industrial business going out of business and receiving tax abatements on empty buildings in a “hope” they will reopen. It does not take a real genius to figure out the city and the state, and the Feds too have gotten used to certain salaries and budgets to operate on when times were plenty and now rather than cut their own expenses they are raising ours. We voted for it, we got it. Like some of the readers have so kindly suggested walk through downtown enjoy the ambience and take a good look at your tax dollars at work. I would have protested my property taxes, but unfortunately it will doubtfully do any good. My time might be better spent with letters of protest towards the other misappropriations going on around town.

By Eric

June 24, 2009 8:44 AM | Link to this

I do nto believe the state has anything to do with it. I also believe that it is very bad taste and timing on the goverment’s part with the federal gov. in the sad state it is in and the economy no exsistant. Not to mentention unemployment at an all time hign in the county. It really makes the people put a lot of faith in their leaders. Could go on and on but why waste my breath. The people need to band together and put a stop to this abuse but everyone is to worried about themselves as to worry about big picture which effects us in the long run.

By Sansmentis

June 24, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, so property taxes are the primary means of funding state operations. This worked well for decades with bearable tax rates until population growth and the state’s definition of necessary spending ballooned into the monstrosity we are feeding today. As Concerned Taxpayer noted, prosperous times have led government at every level to assume their scope of operations and budgets are vital, and not subject to the cutbacks the rest of us have to make. Those who support these levels of spending will also try to sell you a state income tax as an alternative to predatory property tax rates. Don’t believe it for a minute. There is never enough tax revenue for those officials suffering from the tragic addiction to OPM (other people’s money.)The only solution is for government to decrease substantially in size, services, and cost. The taxpayers are forced to cut spending, and those professing to be public servants should do so as well.

By Money, Money, Money

June 24, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this

I am 40yrs old and live on a fixed income, and YES I have a full time JOB. I work for the state of texas and my pay is the same every month. My taxes go up, gas goes up, food goes up, cost of living goes up, but my pay stays the same. My property increases $12000.00 in value this year, therefor my taxes went up but my pay never goes up. All I have did for the past 4 years is kept it mowed.

By tired of getting rippped off

June 24, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

They say the schools have nothing to do with the appraisals. Funny! If you live in Hudson ISD, ever look at the land around you, notice how some pay way less than you do per acre or sq.ft. (which is a trick to throw you off - especially if survey/bougth by acre). Adjustment year my _, we’ve been getting adjusted for yrs., last year real bad - and again this year. Not the county commissioner in the HISD, or some others with good ole’ boy connections. Same old rock hard clay all over the area, amazing how one spot is worth way maore than another (isn’t any gold or oil under it either). Not fair the way it’s done!

By concernedtaxpayer

June 24, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this

They may say the schools have nothing to do with the appraisals, but they have everything to do with it. Where does the money come from then for new schools, new expansions, new property for schools? We pay no income tax in this state (thank goodness, but for how long). Every time there is a bond they always say oh your taxes won’t go up we’ll get more money from the state. People the state doesn’t have a magic money tree they are paying for our schools with. If it is at all true the “new money” will come from the state in it’s entirety well it stands to reason the ultimate way it will be generated is by raising our taxes. Unless we want to fall for that grand standing lottery scheme and believe it comes from that. This is what elected officials do, it’s their job. They grand stand, they become the celebrity that every one wants to see. They say what they have to say to get the desired votes. Most of the time the speeches they give, the debates they hold are rehearsed and well written by a staff of politically motivated writers. This happens on every level of government just on a smaller scale. If they were paid to tell the truth and maintain some moral code, their families would starve because the public doesn’t want to hear it.

By Island_Guy

June 24, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

“Money, Money, Money”…shame on you. You posted three times in succession and LDN did not bother to cut you off for posting too many times in a short period of time, like they did to me a minute ago when I accidentally clicked the “post” button twice. Shame on me, too!

So, you have a full-time job and work for the State of Texas; and you still have to pay your way through the taxes and assume all the responsibilities the other folks have to contend with?

Maybe you are not with the “In Crowd” of Texas, yet. But don’t go there, dear. Stay safe and wrapped in your job. But, you sure must have one hell of a piece of property if your taxes went up $12,000.00 as you said in your comment! Maybe you ARE with the “In Crowd”, after all! Never mind your pay rate…I’m sure you can afford it.

Jeeze…in case you made a mistake in typing “$12000.00”, I hope you are NOT working in the Tax Assessor’s Office!!

Maybe it is YOU, all along! Folks…here is the reason your taxes are going up!! Typos’ on the valuation computer input by the clerk, “Money, Money, Money”!!

The eyes of Texas are upon you, all the livelong day….

By Island_Guy

June 24, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

“MMM”, Inquiring Minds want to know…what on earth have you kept “mowed” for the last 4 years, anyway? Please don’t say…”grass”.

By Island_Guy

June 24, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

“MMM”…”…all I have did for the past 4 years is keep it mowed”. “Have did”?

No wonder Texas is in trouble!!

By Money, Money, Money

June 24, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

To Island Guy, I did not put up a fence, build a storage building, or anything to upgrade my property except mow my grass every week, pick up limbs that fall and rake my leaves. For the past six years, my property tax value went up about $1800.00 each year. This year it went up $12000.00 in tax value, yes thats right TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS. Yes I pay my taxes every year and NO, I dont work for the Tax Assessor’s Office. My income with the wonderful State of Texas is less than $36000.00 (Thirty Six Thousand) a year. I would not call that the IN CROWD.

By Island_Guy

June 25, 2009 12:18 AM | Link to this

Ok, “MMM”, I feel sorry for teasing you already. Calm down.

I thought you had been kidding or made a misprint! That is totally believable; but unbelievable that the taxes would go up $12,000.00. Do you mean to tell me, that your taxes escalated (went up) TO $12,000.00 a year, over and above what you were paying, or that now, your total taxes ARE at the figure quoted; $12,000.00 a year? I’m a little confused.

Seems as though something is drastically disproportioned; and if you are speaking of simply a residential property, you best file a suit against the City of Lufkin or the State - whoever has imposed that taxation.

If your payroll is set at $36,000.00 a year, nope…you are not with the “in crowd” at all, but wouldn’t you say that it is better in your pay scale and position than working at the local chicken-processing plant? If you were living in Maine, you would be able to enjoy the life of a City Official. Best to count your blessings, except for the heavy taxation.

I would tend to wonder where this property is located, the amount of space (square footage) it is on, and if it is a business or what type of tax district. Is this an apartment building you own? Is there a business on or inside this property? Do you handle flammables or hazardous material on the property? I guess you really don’t have to answer to me, but it would be interesting as to know exactly what the reasons are your taxes escalated as much as you say they did.

So much for the $12,000.00, friends and neighbors. This is just another example of the tactics under tax rules Texas has. Nevertheless, there are some details to “MMM’s” comments we need to know (although private information) before we sit back and keep in wonder about this blogger’s predicament!

By Island_Guy

June 25, 2009 1:05 AM | Link to this

Folks…I was signing-off, and my wife had been on her computer in the library in our home. She was monitoring my blogs, and she requested me to enter this thread again and make a statement I just made to “Betty” in the LISD Sex-Education site.

This is not concerning sex education. Rather property taxes. This is not, in any way intended to make anyone in Texas upset.

Our property area covers about 37,000 square meters of space in the city we live in. I think this approximates the entire property space that Lufkin High School has, including the sports playing fields and ancillary areas.

We have a very nice home, with a Suzlon wind generator on the property to operate all our electrical requirements. Our home is about 5,000 square feet of space on one-level. No need to mention anything else as it is non-important.

However, our property taxes are only $17.85 a year. No mistake in printing…it is seventeen dollars and eighty-five cents a year - in US dollars and cents. The property is in a residential district only.

The country, the Province we live in (Isabela), and the island we happen to be on (Luzon), gets along very well on the economical values established here. The people are not harshly treated against property tax evaluations, re-evaluations, and continual price gouging…not even the permanent residents (like we happen to be) or the rich people of this country. Everything is set across the board on a level playing field insofar as taxes are concerned. The guy right off our property, a Filipino, pays about .50 cents a year (in US currency) for his property taxes.

With so much controversy concerning property taxes in Lufkin due to the article concerning this debacle (I assume), we, as US citizens count our blessings here. Don’t forget though, we still have a condo in Houston in a high-rise, but no way, are property taxes for the condo reaching those costs you citizens in Lufkin are swallowing.

By concernedtaxpayer

June 25, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

Island_Guy what he was saying isn’t that his taxes went up to 12000 this year. It’s his property value that went up that much this year. The tax will only be a percentage of that, but will still probably figure out to be a thousand more than what he was paying depending on exemptions. Which by the way to anyone who doesn’t already have them you need to make sure you are applying for all the exemptions you qualify for. Homestead, timber, ag and over 65.

And you may have hit on another problem right there. The same thing used to happen with the electric company with the old school meters. In those years where your value went up only 1800 each year how many times did anyone actually come out and look at your property to assess it’s value? The electric and water company both had a history of estimating the bill based on the previous months usage. In the summer months this obviously doesn’t work, and I got a pool one year yet the water bill was still only around 20 bucks. 6 months later they finally come out and actually read the meters and whammo I’m hit with an enormous bill. This could be we are all playing catch up from years past when someone was not putting in the right valuations.

By Island_Guy

June 25, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this

Oh, sorry, “concernedtaxpayer”. I did not either get the message or did I read what “Money, Money, Money” was trying to say. Somehow this got lost in misinterpertation. Sorry, too, “MMM”.

Yeah, I had a pool, also. But something strange happened to me. I protested, and won the brief argument with Lufkin: I had a pool installed in 1996. My water was turned off for two days, so I used the water of my neighbor, hosed over my fence to my home; which was the eventual water that filled-up my pool when it was completed before the ancillary water pipe hookups and landscaping could be completed.

The water meter reader came out at that time, took my reading, and the next bill, as you said, “WHAMMO!”…my water bill rose to a considerable amount (per the new estimate given to me the next day by a supervisor from the water district who came to my home). I was smart enough to take the reading on the former bill, comparing it with the reading at the time the meter guy was at my home, with the meter-reader in the photo, taking four photos - same date - same time - then took it to Lufkin water. The next morning I was visited by a supervisor (mentioned above) who saw my pool full of water and then re-read the meter. No way, could I fill up the pool with such a low meter-reading. He changed my meter, thinking I put a blocking device on it, even though he saw the hose laying over the fence. He then promptly went to that neighbors home, and read their meter. There was the source of the water. I guess this means, “don’t trust lawyers”. I paid my water-use to my neighbor, as agreed. Lufkin Water tried to nail me, but they got caught at it!

Thanks for the return, “concernedtaxpayer”. Now I read it your way.

By concernedtaxpayer

June 26, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

Your welcome Island_Guy. It just wouldn’t make sense for a persons taxes to go up 12000 dollars in 1 year. the only way that would realistically be possible (unless by error) would be to build a house on the property and the house would have to be a considerable size for the tax on it to equate to that. But a property value of 12000 more in 1 year is possible even if all you did was mow the grass the last decade, especially if the appraisals for prior years were not done or were not accurate.

Lawyers are not the only ones who shouldn’t be trusted. Human error and greed is insurmountable. One should always use caution when giving trust in any situation.