ROGER MARIETTA: Tax on seniors is the real ‘toxic’ tax

I am writing this letter in response to the Feb. 18 article on “toxic charity.” While I share my good friend Commissioner Fletcher’s concerns about what property is taxable, I feel there are two sides to this story.

In my Sunday school today, we learned that God wants us to serve the poor. The “toxic charities” we have so many of in this community provide service to the whole community and especially the poor. Phoebe is often maligned, but we know that they do pay not only property taxes or payments in lieu of taxes in excess of $1 million, but also provide indigent patient care approaching several millions of dollars, saving the county government a lot of money.

Churches stepped up from their regular ministries in the aftermath of the storm to provide lunches to everyone, debris removal crews, clothing and furniture, and addressed so many other unique needs of the community and especially the poor.

Property taxes are too high and with the state looking to cut taxes because of anticipated windfall revenues, we should be looking at taking the property tax burden off seniors. Too many are forced to move out of homes that are paid for because, living on fixed incomes, they cannot afford the big property tax payment required. Our state representatives should answer the call and provide seniors property tax relief.

Charities provide services to the poor and needy and, yes, if they are operating businesses, they should pay property tax. They do pay stormwater fees if they have a physical location. However, the property taxes on seniors is the really “toxic” tax that is hurting our communities.

ROGER MARIETTA

Albany

EDITOR’S NOTE: Roger Marietta represents Ward IV on the Albany City Commission.