CICERO — To the editor:
You may have seen or heard about a flyer accusing me of owing back taxes.
It’s true.
After my husband died in June 2017, I was able to pay a year’s taxes from the life insurance. I
paid off the house and other debts. But, I lost 60% percent of my annual household income when Marlowe died and I fell behind on my property taxes.
I have not been able to secure a home equity loan (I owe nothing on the house) and real estate agents only want to buy/sell it for 2/3 of its assessed value. I am a salaried employee and can work all the overtime I want, but I won’t be paid a nickel more.
I’ve applied for jobs to supplement my income, but have not been able to secure a job that works around my other responsibilities.
With a promotion and annual salary increases, I’m now in a position to be able to pay on the arrears. I have paid off the amount due on one of the parcels and am working on the other.
So, the truth is I am behind on taxes, but working to pay them.
I’d like to point out that I have done nothing illegal, immoral, or unethical. I am simply working my way through tough times, like so many others.
Joyce Villnave
Cicero
Candidate for Town Supervisor
