The problem
When the city keeps the same rate while assessments rise, the bill still goes up. That is a tax increase by another name. People have been left to struggle while the city collects more from the same families.
The proposal
Chesapeake should cut personal property taxes and real estate taxes for homeowners. Relief should be simple and broad. There should be no means testing for basic homeowner relief because the problem is not one small group. The problem is the bill itself.
Why no means testing
Means testing makes relief harder to get. It adds forms, delays, and confusion. It also misses families who are squeezed but do not fit a narrow box. If you live in the home, you should get the relief.
The standard
City Hall should prove every dollar it takes. Families already have groceries, repairs, insurance, cars, and school needs. The city should fund core services first and stop treating rising assessments like a blank check.