From hans@math.wisc.edu Wed Dec 17 19:09:27 2008 Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:09:27 -0600 (CST) From: Hans Schneider To: Mary Ann Drescher Cc: JoAnn Ashley , Tom Lessie Subject: Tax bills ****************************************************************** Hans Schneider Office: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mathematics Department + Home: + Van Vleck Hall + 521 Samuel Drive + University of Wisconsin + Madison, WI 53717-2416 USA + 480 Lincoln Drive + 608-833-6567 + Madison, WI 53706-1313 USA +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Office Phone: 608-262-1402 Math Dept Phone: 608-263-3054 Email: hans@math.wisc.edu Math Dept Fax: 608-263-8891 http://www.math.wisc.edu/~hans ****************************************************************** Dear Mary Ann: I've received a property tax bill for $7,559.42. No information is given on how my tax is computed or whether my bill is reasonable when compared with that of others. This disturbs me greatly. In the rest of Madison property assessments are public information available on the City Assessor's website for those who care to log on. The tax charged is also publicly available and it is based on a published rate. On the other hand, Prairie Point tax bills are shrouded in mystery. It is no surprise that rumors are heard about discrepancies. I am left wondering whether I am being overcharged. I think the time has come to reconsider how taxes are apportioned in Prairie Point and what information is available to residents. I urge you to make this process far more transparent than the current one. Residents should be able to judge the fairness of their tax assessments. best wishes hans 2008/12/17