Property tax increases hurting renters too | Letters

The Enquirer is focusing on Hamilton County property tax increases for homeowners. The problem of higher property taxes results from higher real estate values, and some people might even think this is not a problem. But, the escalation in market value isn't just hurting homeowners who don't plan to sell and realize the gain. Renters will be paying these increased taxes through higher rent. More families will be stressed and have to move, double up or become homeless. Children have trouble learning and people can't afford food and utility bills. We have an affordable housing crisis and more demand for social services than the public can fund.

Why is this happening?It is happening because housing is being bought and sold by investment companies who have no connection to the community and no interest in providing housing. Real estate agents are making sales to these investors using "buy boxes" without knowing the identity of the people who are buying. These investors aren't paying the higher taxes because they can pass the cost on to the consumer, the renter.

Unless people are informed and our leaders address the underlying problem, fewer and fewer people will own anything. For those who want to explore this, I recommend watching PUSH, a 2019 documentary made for the United Nations. The crisis in housing is a global economic change as significant as technology and climate change.

Margery Spinney, Over-the-Rhine

MEMI, CSO won't acknowledge cost of closing Coney Island

It would show goodwill on the part of Music and Event Management, Inc./Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra if they would compile a list of other pools where the thousands of families they have displaced could find exercise and entertainment. It should include location, membership costs, residency requirements and wait lists. This seems like the minimum they could do to show they understand the social cost of their plan. Perhaps that is why they won’t be doing it.

Joseph Higgins, Hyde Park

No good explanation for doubling of property taxes

All the articles about the recent increases in property taxes cannot explain why my property taxes doubled when the assessed value of my house only increased by $5,000. The complicated way that taxes are calculated is the only explanation that any of these articles give. As a retired senior citizen, I see no option other than making sure I have ample funds set aside for this expense. I will not vote for any future tax levies since I cannot afford them.

Theresa Boes, Sayler Park

Taxing homeowners for a 'paper' profit is not just

The increase in assessed property values is understandable, given what has happened in the real estate market since 2020. If a homeowner sells their home, they will likely reap a large "windfall" profit. But to tax homeowners on what is, while they remain in their home, only a "paper" profit is not just. It is particularly harsh on retired homeowners living on fixed incomes.

My solution would be to limit tax increases to the cost of living index used to calculate Social Security benefits. Appraise the property at market value, but tax the property closer to what the homeowner paid for their property. The COLA increase would cover the increased costs the taxing authority incurs in providing services.

Jack Felton, Green Township

Poll worker's story gives me hope that elections are fair

What a great article by guest columnist Karen Bratburd ("Worried about fair elections? Serve as a poll worker," Feb. 18). You could feel her enthusiasm at being a poll worker resonating through her words. Her experiences give me some hope that most elections are indeed fair, but until mail-in ballots stop arriving and being counted at 3 a.m., I'll still have doubts. I guess I'm old enough to long for the days when you had to vote in-person and hope that poll workers like Karen were there to greet you.

Linda Tampone, Edgewood, Ky.