By now you have received it. The infamous TRIM notice. I always thought trim meant reduce! Just wondering. I guess a lot of people are treating heartburn at this point. In addition, the August 19th headline in one of our local papers screams about the increase in real estate tax revenues from a low of 61 percent to a high of 85 percent in our local area. This is obscene.
Here is my suggestion to end this lunacy. Everyone should petition the Governor and his Cabinet to pass an emergency measure throughout the state to halt all tax reassessments on real estate sales from January 1, 2006. This will not affect the 30 percent Save Our Homes tax increase. In addition, the Governor should immediately call a special session of the Legislature to find a fair solution to the problem. NO ONE leaves for the campaign trail until there is a resolution. I think of it as a mild incentive to solve a problem.
If this problem is allowed to continue, expect major budget deficits in the coming years. Why? Because when property values drop, so will the tax base - however the outrageous spending will continue.
My advice is to call or e-mail every politician from the Governor to your local representative and tell them you want action NOW! If not, you may just get taxed out of your home.
Ric Cornelius is the Broker/Manager of Sand Key Realty Sales and Rentals, Inc. Sand Key Realty has three offices with 40 agents. One office is at 740 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-443-0032; the second office is at 2701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727-595-5441; and the third office is at 309 Belleview Blvd., Belleair, 727-461-4200.