K. Mayanna Gowda, Shivamogga City Corporation Commissioner, faced a range of public concerns over civic management and property taxation during an interaction organised by the Shivamogga district unit of the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) on Wednesday (June 17). The forum was convened to allow residents to raise issues directly with the civic officer, given the absence of an elected body at the corporation since August 2023.

Sathish Kumar Shetty, representing Nagarika Hitarakshana Okkuta (Citizens’ Protection Forum), raised the issue of property transfer charges levied by the corporation. He alleged that the corporation had been collecting a percentage of the total asset value, contrary to government directions to collect only a percentage of the stamp paper value. “Since 2006, the corporation has collected over ₹25 crore in excess,” he said.

Responding to the allegation, Mr. Gowda said the tax was being collected in accordance with legal procedures and resolutions passed by the corporation’s elected body. “The local body is supreme, and officers must follow decisions taken through established processes,” he said.

Beyond the property tax issue, residents raised concerns about filthy drainage systems, delays in tank development projects, poor maintenance of roads, and delays in issuing e-Khatas (property records) for properties. Questions also arose regarding tax payment procedures, basic amenities, garbage collection, and the completion of pending works.

The Commissioner announced that the corporation would soon hold a public interaction programme in the city, where he and other officers of the corporation would respond to people’s queries.

KUWJ district president U.H. Vaidyanath, State committee directors Telex Ravi Kumar and K.V. Shivakumar, general secretary R.S. Halaswamy, vice-president Deshadri Hosmane and others were present.