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TALK ABOUT DESTROYING THE TAX BASE

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Anonymous

Guest
BELOW IS ONE OF THE BENIFITS OF A GLOBAL ECONOMY. Didn't Obama promise to protect the consumer? How is globalization going to acheive it?


Homeowners with Chinese drywall to get relief on property tax bill

09:10 PM CDT on Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Doug Mouton / Northshore Bureau Chief

[email protected]


NEW ORLEANS – Many homeowners dealing with Chinese drywall problems can get relief on their property tax bills. The State Tax Commission is allowing all assessors across Louisiana to reduce assessments in affected homes.



Video: Watch the StoryCindy Alfonso lost her St. Bernard home in Katrina, and lived in her Chinese drywall effected home for three years before she discovered the problem.

"Some days I get so depressed, so disgusted," Alfonso said, "I don't know which way to turn."

She said, while she lived in her Goodbee home in Northwest St. Tammany Parish, she couldn't explain why she had so many skin rashes, blisters and headaches, but now, she understands.

Current estimates say roughly 4,000 Louisiana homes are infected with the toxic sheetrock. There are no clear answers about what's contaminated.

Cindy Alfonso doesn't know if she can save her kitchen cabinets or furniture, or if everything will have to be torn down.

"I should know some time in the future if I have to demolish the whole house or just take it from the studs on down. Hopefully, I don't have to demolish it, but if I do, I will do it."

Even if the home is completely gutted, many question if it can ever be sold.

"These people are going to have to disclose to a new purchaser even if it's fixed,” said St. Tammany Assessor Patricia Core. "Even if the drywall is completely replaced, this home had Chinese drywall, and it's going to be very difficult for them to sell their house even after it's repaired."

Core took that message to the State Tax Commission, asking them for permission to reduce assessments on affected homes.


WWLTV



"We've got to do something," Core said, "and the only thing we can do for them in the Assessor's Office is to help them with the property taxes because it is definitely justified."

Core said affected homeowners only need to show proof that the there is Chinese drywall in their house. She said a letter from a contractor would suffice.

The assessed value of a home is the land, plus the improvements. Core said, on affected homes, she'll reduce the improvements 90 percent.

For Cindy Alfonso, that would bring her home value under the homestead exemption, so instead of paying $2,346 in property taxes next year, she would pay $0.


The State Tax Commission said all Louisiana Assessors have the option to reduce the assessments of Chinese drywall affected homes.

Core said, so far, roughly 400 St. Tammany homeowners have asked for the Chinese Drywall reduction, and she said more and more are coming in everyday.
 

Cal

Well-known member
Did they say what chemical is in the drywall that is causing the problem? Could it be Chinese infant formula? :?
 
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