Here’s the link for the Webcast of the Governor’s speech, 6 p.m. Eastern: http://www.governordejongh.com/features/2008/address/index.html
Villa owners have nervously been waiting for the Government to make up its mind about what to do with the recent territory-wide real estate reassessments. That’s because St. John property owners found their valuations increasing by as much as 500%, while some properties on St. Thomas and St. Croix saw declines. St. Johnans who own everything from cottages to mini-estates fear their property taxes will skyrocket.
Governor John deJongh has proposed a scale of tax rates for properties which, nonetheless, would still boost St. John levies several hundred percent. Last week, the Senate began debating the issue, with a variety of suggestions, including don’t issue new incredibly higher tax bills and reconsider the entire revaluation project.
It’s likely the Governor will have something to say about the matter this week, during his second annual State of the Territory speech. It will be available live online, audio and video – check back here for the web site. The address is scheduled for 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Eastern).