Cartagena Residents to Stage Mass Protest Over Soaring Property Taxes
Table of Contents
Residents of Cartagena,Colombia,are gearing up for a large-scale protest in early January to denounce what they describe as exorbitant increases in property taxes. The issue, a long-simmering problem according to local reports, has reached a boiling point, prompting talk of civil disobedience.
The controversy centers on recent cadastral appraisals, which have led to significantly higher tax bills for many homeowners, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods. This has fueled widespread discontent and prompted calls for action.
Héctor Pérez Fernández, a lawyer and city overseer, confirmed the planned exhibition. “This situation led to a large mobilization being prepared in different parts of the city to reject the high property tax charges,” he stated. “This will take place in the first days of January, date still to be confirmed, and some places where people will gather. We already have the points of the El Amparo Bomb and the Ministry of Finance official,” he added.
Fernández highlighted a significant contributing factor: “There are 45 thousand properties in Cartagena that were left out of the cadastral update, that was established by the Comptroller’s Office. It was a job that was paid for and not done. A contract of more than 26 billion [Colombian pesos] and it is indeed not known what Go Cadastral did. This operator’s contract was renewed in 2024 to correct the situation, but the bills arrived the same or much more expensive.” The protest, which may involve a symbolic burning of tax receipts, is expected to draw significant participation.
The situation in Cartagena mirrors concerns in many U.S. cities regarding fair and equitable property tax assessments.While the specifics differ, the underlying issue of ensuring fair taxation for all residents remains a common challenge.
The planned protest underscores the growing frustration among Cartagena residents and raises questions about the clarity and effectiveness of the city’s tax assessment processes. The outcome of the January demonstration will likely have significant implications for future property tax policies in the city.
Cartagena Property Tax System Under Fire Amidst Inequality Claims
A firestorm of controversy is brewing in Cartagena, Colombia, over allegations of a deeply unfair property tax system. Residents are voicing outrage over wildly inconsistent assessments, claiming that the wealthy are paying significantly less while low-income families bear a disproportionate burden.
Councilman David Pérez has emerged as a leading voice in the outcry, presenting evidence of stark disparities. ”In the northern zone,” he states, “there are properties that pay absolutely nothing in property taxes, just 4,000 pesos a year. they have very large properties that are worth far more, while in poor neighborhoods, residents pay a lot of money.” This disparity, he argues, is unacceptable and demands immediate attention.
The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that “currently in Cartagena there are 60,000 people seized for not paying the high property tax charges in low-income sectors,” Pérez points out. He adds,”It is not fair that the review has not been done. There are many citizens who have demanded answers after complaining about this assessment for two years, and to this day they do not have them.”
Pérez highlights specific instances of egregious discrepancies. “There are people who paid 300,000 pesos in property taxes and now they have to pay up to $2 million pesos,” he explains.”That is illegal.” he further illustrates the problem with a personal anecdote: “I have known cases in which a person receives a very high property charge for a stratum two home, and the house next door pays 300,000 pesos.”
The image above, provided by Councilman Pérez, depicts a tax bill exceeding 2 million pesos for a modest home, further emphasizing the inconsistencies within the system. The situation underscores the urgent need for a thorough review and reform of Cartagena’s property tax system to ensure fairness and equity for all residents.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by many developing nations in implementing equitable tax systems. The disparity in Cartagena mirrors concerns about tax fairness seen in various communities across the globe, raising questions about the effective distribution of public resources and the need for transparent and accountable governance.
For further details on economic progress initiatives in Cartagena, see Cartagena promotes its development with tax incentives for key sectors.
Cartagena, Colombia, Overhauls Property Records System
Cartagena, Colombia, is undergoing a significant shift in its property records management. After a period of temporary suspension, the city’s cadastre—the official register of land ownership and property details—will transition to a new operator, the barranquilla Metropolitan Area (AMB), starting January 2, 2025. this change follows a December 13th announcement of a three-year contract between the city and AMB.
The current manager, Go Cadastral, experienced a temporary partial shutdown between December 17th and 31st to facilitate the transition. During this period, Go Cadastral only accepted requests for registration, delaying processing until AMB assumes control. This transition reflects a broader initiative by Cartagena’s Mayor’s Office to establish autonomous cadastral management.
Concerns Over Property Measurements Surface
The changeover has highlighted concerns among some property owners regarding the accuracy of existing property measurements. One resident voiced frustration,stating,”How do they do it,my house measures 200 meters and they put 294 as if it were a building. Go cadastral told me that they measure virtually, that is, that the building next to my house is their reference.”
This discrepancy, where a home’s recorded size significantly differs from the owner’s measurement, underscores the need for a thorough review and potential correction of existing cadastral data. The issue highlights the challenges of maintaining accurate property records,a concern shared by many municipalities worldwide,including those in the United States.
AMB’s Role in Modernizing Cartagena’s Cadastre
AMB’s responsibilities extend beyond simply taking over operations. The contract outlines three key phases: First, AMB will conduct a comprehensive review of the data collected by Go Cadastral, providing a complete assessment of urban, rural, and island properties. Second, AMB will provide training and knowledge transfer to Cartagena’s staff, sharing best practices and technological advancements in cadastral management. AMB will ensure the ongoing accuracy and maintenance of the database, incorporating any changes to property ownership or characteristics.
This transition mirrors similar modernization efforts in U.S. cities, where technological advancements and data analysis are increasingly used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of property records. The goal is to create a more transparent and reliable system for property owners and the city alike.
The transition to AMB represents a significant investment in improving Cartagena’s infrastructure and governance. the modernization of the city’s cadastre promises greater accuracy, efficiency, and transparency in property records, ultimately benefiting both residents and the city’s economic development.
It seems you have provided three separate news pieces about property tax protests and issues in Cartagena, Colombia. Here’s a breakdown of each piece and some potential ways to unify them:
Piece 1:
Focus: Upcoming protest against property tax increases.
Key Points: Residents are frustrated with recent cadastral appraisals leading to considerably higher tax bills,especially in lower-income neighborhoods. A large-scale protest is planned for early January, possibly involving burning tax receipts.
Piece 2:
Focus: Allegations of unfairness in Cartagena’s property tax system.
Key Points: Councilman David Pérez highlights inconsistencies in assessments, with wealthy residents paying significantly less than their low-income counterparts. He cites examples of exorbitant tax bills for modest homes and calls for a review of the system to ensure fairness.
Piece 3:
Focus: Cartagena’s efforts to address property tax issues through a system overhaul.
Lack of Context: This piece appears incomplete as it abruptly ends after mentioning an overhaul.
Unifying the Pieces:
you can combine thes pieces to provide a thorough narrative about the property tax controversies in Cartagena:
- Start with the Protests: Begin with the planned protest (Piece 1) to introduce the issue and the residents’ anger.
- Dive into the Injustice: Transition to Councilman Perez’s statements (Piece 2), highlighting the specific examples of unfairness and discrepancies in the system. This adds context to the protest.
- Highlight the City’s Response (If Available):
If possible, complete Piece 3 by providing details about the property records overhaul mentioned. Explain how this overhaul aims to address the issues raised by residents and Councilman perez.
If Piece 3 is incomplete, use the available information to suggest that the city is taking steps toward reform.
- Analyze the Broader Issues:
Discuss the broader implications of these events:
The right to fair taxation.
The challenges of equitable tax implementation in developing countries.
The potential impact on Cartagena’s economy and social stability.
- Conclude with Speculation or Future steps:
What are the potential outcomes of these events? What future actions might be taken by the city government or the residents?
Additional Considerations:
Visuals: Incorporate images from the protests and relevant graphics to make the story more engaging.
Quotes: Use direct quotes from residents, Councilman Perez, and city officials to provide different perspectives.
Data: If possible, provide statistics on the increase in property taxes, the number of people affected, and the discrepancies between neighborhoods.
By weaving these pieces together, you can create a powerful and impactful story that sheds light on the complex issues surrounding property taxes in Cartagena.
