Property tax blues

How appropriate that your articles on taxes in the July 25 paper showing Maine to be the highest- taxed state in the country came on the same day my local property tax bill arrived.

I also learned from another article in the same paper that I now live in an upscale neighborhood on the city’s west side and can expect my property tax to go up at least 5 percent.

Well, I live in an average, one- story, ranch-style home. My tax bill went up more than 10 percent. They mentioned the golf course as one reason our property value went up. For one thing, I don’t golf and even so, you can only use the course about six months a year.

Also, my house is right off Buck Street, a heavily traveled street. Bass Park is nearby with all its associated congestion and noise from the fair and horse racing. I’m also right off the end of the airport runway with jet noise.

How many city councilors are paying more than a 10 percent increase on their property this year? Remember when they passed the budget and they told us they kept the tax increase or mill rate to less than one mill? What a difference the light of day makes.

Dana A. Chase

Bangor