--SPECIAL BULLETIN --
THE CITY OF DETROIT IS IN BANKRUPTCY, without funds to pay its bills -- Thus:
So goes this report to and for We, the People.
To sustain its presence as an efficiently functioning metropolis, a number of actions, some questionable, have been and are being implemented. One of those actions which merits our concern relates to property owners. As described by 'John Doe 103,' his 2007 property tax statement arrived in April, offering a two-payment plan of half in September, 2007, and the second half in January, 2008. In October, a second tax notice arrived, indicating summer delinquent status, an interest fee, and a deadline of January 15, 2008, to pay the total sum. On January 2, 2008, a tax notice from the Wayne County treasurer arrived with a notice that the taxes were delinquent and payment must be made by January 15, 2008. On January 18, 2008, with payment in hand, 'John Doe 103' went to pay his 2007 taxes, only to learn he no longer owned his home; it had been seized for non-payment of taxes. Thus, one year and 15 days of a delinquent tax payment cost 'John Doe 103' his home.
Then there is the case of 'John Doe 104,' who has in his hand a stamped receipt for taxes paid for 2007, and yet on the city's website he is listed as delinquent.
(Our thanks to 'John Doe 103,' 'John Doe 104,' and others for this information.)
