City deficit: $300 million. Schools deficit: $300 million. Councilwoman's property fees: (nearly) priceless.

 

What many Americans spend filling their gas tanks in one week equals a whole year's payment of JoAnn Watson's property tax.

 

 

The Detroit City Council rep's defense for paying just $68 while her neighbors paid as much as $6,000? Well nobody ever asks to give more than what they owe.

 

But some residents in Watson's upscale neighborhood say that the elected official knew better.

 

They're angry that Watson -- who earns $81,000 a year and drives a city-owned vehicle -- never spoke up when her yearly assessment was reduced.

 

A city error caused Watson's attractive house to be listed as a vacant lot.

 

The councilwoman says she thought her reduction resulted from tornado damage to her home a few years ago.