LETTERS

No grace period

Posted 8/6/15

To the Editor:

I am originally from Providence. I grew up there and lived there until 2002 when I relocated to Connecticut for a job, however, I do still own property in Warwick, which I now rent. …

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LETTERS

No grace period

Posted

To the Editor:

I am originally from Providence. I grew up there and lived there until 2002 when I relocated to Connecticut for a job, however, I do still own property in Warwick, which I now rent. I am writing to you because I am deeply disturbed with the new way the people of Warwick are being ripped off, is the only way I can put it, by City Hall. I was infuriated when I was charged $137 interest for being late with my Jan. 15 property tax payment. I have owned my home since 1989 and I have never had an issue with my payments. I did mail my payment a day late; however, the payments now must go to Boston, Mass., to be processed and it was not received and recorded until Jan. 28. Everyone knows what the situation was in Boston last winter and no one could predict this would happen. Apparently, under the new collection procedures, taxpayers are being charged interest on the entire year if they are late with a quarterly payment, even if all the other quarters are paid. There is no grace period at all, even under those circumstances, so I am sure many taxpayers were affected. I cannot conceive how this is legal, or fair. With the economy being the way it is right now, people are struggling and this type of tactic is no better than owing a loan shark money. It’s disgusting to me to think of all the people who have lost their homes, homes they have worked hard for and had for many years, and to come on hard times and lose their homes like this is disgraceful. I think $137 is a lot of money to have to pay for being 13 days late with a payment under any circumstances for anyone and someone should address this issue.

It makes me sad to say that I do hesitate to tell people I am from Rhode Island because it is known as one of the most corrupt states in the U.S. This type of thing only reinforces what people think. It was bad enough what was done to the people of Warwick by the airport deal, but it still continues through this type of abuse by City Hall and the elected officials of the city. I do want to sell my home before it gets stolen from me by this type of abuse. It is a shame that people have to live with this fear. The taxpayers of Warwick need to elect new officials. Apparently, these elected officials don’t give a crap about anyone but themselves and the residents of Warwick should come together and get them out before it’s too late and the airport owns all of Warwick. There is some funky stuff going on there.

Debra Jones

Stonington, CT

Comments

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  • adogsmom

    Debra I'm a little confused here. You mail your tax payment ONE day later than you usually do but get charged for 13 days late. It only takes a couple days, tops to get to Boston. That doesn't even make sense. As a tax payer you have a responsibility to get your payment in on time or face the consequences. .You've owned that house since 1989 so you should know that. You no longer live here or work here. It was a whole year ago that taxes started to get mailed to Boston so it's not like our corrupt , loan sharking abusive city surprised you.You are an out of state property owner who collects rent which I'm sure you want mailed to you on time. We who have worked and lived here all our lives are all connected in this little city of Warwick . Good or bad it is our city and we love it. .I appreciate your letter telling us Warwick resident tax payers what we need to do so that you don't get charged for paying your taxes late.

    Tuesday, August 11, 2015 Report this