State pensioner, writes:
Dear Mayor Levendal
I am a pensioner on a fixed income. I bought my house many years ago and worked very hard to pay off the building society loan so that I might have a peaceful retirement.
Now I am faced with increased taxes on the value that your municipality has ascribed to my humble abode.
How can I trust you that the increase of 15% this year will not be repeated - or worse, in itself increase next year and the next? What proof do I have that the property valuation will not in future be manipulated to gift you the income you so desire?
I am appalled that your council could approve the proposed increases. Clearly you are out of touch with your electorate.
I remind you that the bare minimum of free electricity was also taken from us recently, so what is next?
I dare say your council cannot be trusted with the welfare of all of Mossel Bay's residents. You cannot keep on taxing the few for the benefit of the non-paying masses.
Do not tell me that I can apply for a pensioner's benefit as I - only just - do not qualify.
I urge you, mayor, to reconsider the effect of the proposed budget on the very many folks on a fixed income in this town.
