Dear Editor,
A real solution to the property tax problem is to abolish property taxes on homestead property. Tax sales of homestead property should also be banned. The lost revenue could be made up in other ways that are less impactful on most residents. State income tax could make up a large share of the revenue, with a bigger increase for high earners. Nonhomestead property would need to be classed under some new categories.
Property with structures on it should be divided into suitable for habitation and unsuitable for habitation. In other words, a hunting camp not built for year-round use would be taxed at a lower rate than nonhomestead homes built for year-round use. A luxury slopeside condo or house being used for limited periods as a vacation home by the wealthy should be taxed at a higher rate.
When working-class Vermonters compete with those with deep pockets looking for a vacation home, the Vermonters usually lose. This contributes to our current housing crisis. Therefore, the tax burden should fall more on those who contribute to the problem than on residents.
Casey Jennings
Lunenburg, Vt.
