Humanity for Taxpayers
Assessing the value of a house is a difficult process, and the city takes many factors into account. But one factor that is not currently taken into account is the existence of "restricted sales covenants" that some homeowners have with Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organization that builds houses for low-income people.
"These are hardworking individuals who need a little help," said Karen Cleveland, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia. "They are paying more on taxes than they are paying on their mortgage."
The nonprofit is working with the city’s Housing Department to offer a solution to City Council. Although details are still being worked out, Habitat for Humanity is hoping that the city will recognize the artificially depreciated cost of the home — its value to the homeowner under the covenant — when calculating property taxes.
"To the homeowner, the house is only worth what they paid for it — not what it is worth on the open market," Cleveland said, adding that she is hopeful that Habitat for Humanity can work toward a compromise with the city. "This would be the best Christmas present the City Council could give to these homeowners."
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Honoring Those Who Helped
After Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, Alexandria bolted into action. The city sent firemen, police officers and city workers to assist in the rescue and recovery operation. Even now, several Alexandrians are still in the region to help out. That’s why Councilman Ludwig Gaines presented a proclamation at last week’s City Council meeting to honor city employees who volunteered their time and efforts.
"I am very proud to offer a proclamation honoring those city employees — our first responders — who stepped up to the table and volunteered," Gaines told about 30 volunteers who were honored at City Hall. "Each and every member of our community is very proud you."
Mark Penn, the city’s emergency management coordinator, also praised the city employees who volunteered their time to help those in Louisiana and Mississippi whose lives were devastated by the hurricane. He said that Alexandrians not only helped out, but they also created a new precedent in the process.
"This was a unique opportunity for the city," said Penn, adding that Police Capt. John Crawford worked with a team from Northern Virginia to operate emergency operations center in New Orleans. "That was the very first team ever formed, multi-jurisdictionally, to respond to any disaster in America. It was the very first team of such distinction."
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Staying Warm During the Winter
The old saying says that those who can’t take the heat should get out of the kitchen. But those who can’t stand the cold should turn up the heat — if they can afford it. With the temperatures steadily dropping, City Council is looking at ways to make sure that residents can afford to heat their homes safely and affordably.
"Since we are in the cold season, we want people to be very careful about how they are heating their homes," said Mayor Bill Euille. "Everybody should have evacuation plans and safety measures in place because we want to prevent any serious tragedies."
At last week’s City Council meeting, Director of Community Programs Jack Powers told council members that cutbacks in federal and state will have an impact upon those hit hard by the rising cost of heating fuel — and he’s looking for alternative sources of revenue to help them.
"There will not be sufficient federal and state funds to help low-income people through the winter with the high cost of fuel," Powers said. "We feel that it will be necessary to do private fundraising to garner some additional funds."
City Manager Jim Hartmann added that the city has posted energy-saving tips on its web site. The tips include ways to prevent air leakage, vent obstruction and leaky ductwork.