Residents of the Chácara Santa Lourdes neighborhood in São José do Rio Pardo, São Paulo, are currently facing a shocking increase in their Urban Land Tax (IPTU) bills. This comes after the local government reclassified their lots as urban property, even though many households lack basic infrastructure such as sewage systems, asphalt roads, and treated water supply. With the neighborhood located over 8 kilometers from the city center and accessible only by dirt roads, residents feel unjustly burdened by tax hikes that do not align with their living conditions.

Among those who have expressed their grievances is retired resident Luis Carlos Gomes, who has lived in the area since 2018. He shared his frustrations about the lack of basic services, stating that they must frequently plead with the municipality to maintain the road, with minimal action taken by local authorities. Many residents attended meetings with the mayor, who has made promises that remain unfulfilled, further aggravating the community’s sense of neglect and abandonment despite their growing tax obligations.

Another resident, teacher Adenilson Ferreira, commented on the steep increases in his IPTU bills, which surged nearly 160% compared to the previous year. This notable rise in taxation, amidst the ongoing lack of essential services, raises significant concerns about equity and fairness in municipal governance. The situation highlights the pressing need for infrastructure development and a reevaluation of tax classifications in areas that are not yet equipped to meet urban standards, as residents continue to voice their dissatisfaction over unmet promises and rising costs.