To the Editor:

(Open letter to Creston Town Hall)

Mobile homes not being built or placed on a solid concrete foundation tend to depreciate from the day of delivery, being vulnerable from the move and the stability of the soil that they are set up on. Therefore, they depreciate in value, the same as a manufactured automobile as soon as it leaves the dealership lot onto the street.

Mobile homes do not increase in value as they age as opposed to the replacement cost. So why the tax increase on the newer models owned by seniors at the Crestglen Mobile Home Park?

The BC Assessment Authority has increased the value on our homes, which caused a domino effect increase on our property taxes, plus our home insurance. Where is the buck going to stop? It is questionable why the BC Assessment value on older mobiles was increased and the town did not increase the mill rate on them. This is contradictory in itself. It appears as if the town is targeting the newer models for bonus revenue.

The majority of the residents here at the park are mostly retired seniors accustomed to paying the seniors' tax rate of $100 after our rent, which is compounded with added inflation costs each year. Now some of us are being taxed over $400!

Many residential homeowners in Creston are finding their property taxes unaffordable, especially for widows who are struggling to hang on to their homes.

Is this why half of Creston is for sale? Council, I think this time you really shot yourselves in the foot. The water and sewer, garbage collection and fireworks display just don't cut it.

Michael Bunn

Creston