For nine-years, I have enjoyed living my nomad lifestyle on my own terms, and the thought of returning to my past way of life; though rewarding, productive and profitable. It was financially draining, physically confining and time consuming. Further, seeing annual increases to my property taxes, county taxes, state taxes, water and electric bills was depressing. For thirty-years, it often felt like my home-state of Maryland penalized me on an annual basis for my systematic planned care and upkeep to my home. As well as upgrades, made to backyard sheds, driveways, deck, patio, yard fencing, external house siding, etc. Once, I felt as if I was being watched and turned around to see a person taking pictures of my property. I immediately walked across the street and said, “excuse me, why are you taking pictures of me in my yard?” He smiled and replied. “Here’s my card. I’m a homeowner property tax assessor for the county. My job is to drive around certain areas in this county taking pictures of homeowners’ property. Which helps my department determine how much homeowners will pay for property taxes annually.” So, you are part of the reason for my increased annual debt, I replied with a smile. Maybe a little bit because I take the pictures. But it’s your fault as well, because you are very attentive to what happens on your property and constantly making repairs, upgrading or replacing wind damaged siding. Every time I return to this development to take pictures, I’m amazed at how you and your three sons, turned a shack into a beautiful home.
A family of three lived here for three years before you bought that place. That guy, spread rocks all over the front and side-yard. So, he wouldn’t have to do any yard work. The house had two doors on the front, two big trees in the front yard, and three in the backyard both reaching towards the roof edges. If two of the trees in the backyard fell. That guy paid $100.50 for property tax every year. No, I replied. Yes, he paid $100.50 because he never did anything to upgrade the shack, or make the property look better. You and your son’s turned this place into a good-looking well-kept homestead showplace. This is why you are paying more property taxes then he and some other folks in this development. Further, every time, you upgrade sometime. Like when you installed siding on the house, a new roof, attic ventilation system, two driveways, built shades to store yard stuff and your motorcycles: keeping your yard clean. On your hands and knees, planting a lawn in the front, sides and backyard. As well as hedges. Everybody in this neighborhood was talking about you and your son’s including us, in the tax assessor’s office, zoning ordinance, and building code office. Meanwhile, there are a few more people like you living here and their property taxes increases annually like yours. laughing. Every year, my property taxes increase anywhere from two-to-four hundred dollars more. I’m so sick of this, I said. “I’m sorry. Let me share a little secret with you. Your house and properties are always well kept. Look down the street and tell me what you see at some of your neighbor’s homes.
I don’t have to look because I see poorly maintained property here every day upon leaving and returning her from work. Old vehicles setting in front or side-yard needing to be repaired with grass growing over bumper and hiding flat tires. grass growing through and over fences. broken windows with new paper pushed through holds, etc. I have always been grateful none of them are my next-door neighbors, I replied. He laughed. When you upgrade and maintain your property like you and a few others, your property tax is always going to increase. Because you are the source from which local counties get money to distribute to local jurisdictions such as school districts, cities, towns, and special districts. As a result, your money collected from you is used to finance local services including public schools, police/fire department, road maintenance and parks.
