Lieutenant Governor Vargrave Richards announced today that he has taken
several steps in response to the recent District Court order by Judge
Thomas Moore relating to property taxes.
First, the Lieutenant Governor has directed the Tax Assessor
to hold all property tax bills for 2002 until further notice. Richards
said: "I intend to fully comply with the District Court order,
and the Court has enjoined the issuance of property tax bills."
In addition to complying with the Court Order, Richards
other immediate priority was to send out the 2002 tax bills, so the
Government can receive the tax revenue.
To that end, the Lieutenant Governor has drafted legislation
to address the concerns raised by the Court, and had requested the Governor
to submit the bill to the Legislature. Richards stated: "The Court
indicated that the 2002 tax bills can be sent out, under certain circumstance,
which require Legislation". Richards also said: " That he
drafted and submitted to the Governor legislation he believes addresses
all the concerns raised by the Court."
Richards has requested the Governor to nominate members
of the Board of Tax Review, and to immediately submit the names to the
Senate. Richards explained: "The Board of Tax Review hears appeals
of tax assessments. If you feel your property has been assessed at too
high a level, you can appeal to this Board. The Court noted that this
Board must function as part of the property tax system."
The Lieutenant Governor has requested that the Governor
call a Special Session of the Legislature to address these matters immediately.
In addition, and most importantly, the Lieutenant Governor
has contacted the Special Master, Joseph Hunt, appointed by the Court
to oversee the improvement of the tax assessment system. Richards expressed
to Mr. Hunt his commitment to improve the system and pledged the cooperation
of his office.
Based upon conversation with and direction from Mr. Hunt,
the Lieutenant Governor has signed a contract with Mr. Kenneth Voss
to assist the tax assessor with compliance with the Court order. Richards
said: "I intend to have my office take all necessary action so
that, within one year, the court will lift the injunction and so that
tax bills can be sent again."
Mr. Hunt expressed great confidence and respect for Mr.
Voss, who is familiar with the Virgin Islands and our system, and indicated
that were the Government to hire Mr. Voss, it would be well on the way
to compliance with the court order.
The Lieutenant Governor immediately contacted Mr. Voss,
negotiated with him, and signed a contract, which has been reviewed
and approved by the Department of Property and Procurement, and is before
the Attorney General and Governor.
In addition, Lt. Governor Richards directed the Recorder
of Deeds not to require proof that property taxes have been paid beyond
1998. Richards stated, "This directive was made so that real estate
transactions can move forward. The public is advised that property taxes
are owed for all years, even though they will not be collected at this
time."
Richards concluded: "that while the order may or
may not ultimately be upheld, it is critical to the solvency of our
government that we adhere to the decision and order, and he will make
every effort to comply with the order, improve the tax assessment system,
and ensure that the Government receives the revenue that is due."
