It’s reasonable for us to contribute via property taxes. Through them we buy things we could never purchase individually – a street system, a school system, fire and police services. But property taxes must be affordable, and they must be sustainable. Given the trend over the past eight years that is no longer the case for far too many Duluth homeowners – especially those on fixed incomes. Retired, elderly, disabled, veterans. And, if you’re a renter you may not be paying that 56% increase directly – but you’re seeing it in the sharp increase in your rents.