Insane level of property taxes in New York
Our property taxes
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This letter is to address a bill in the New York State Assembly sponsored by A. Fitzpatrick regarding the insane level of property taxes in New York State. Bill A8775A addresses the proposed property increase tax cap of 4% annually and some relief from the unfunded mandates imposed by the state on our local school districts. Although the bill is a good start it falls far short of truly addressing the problem and forcing our state legislators to finally make the tough choices and do the job they were elected to do!
Section-1 Part-A “ provides legislative intent of providing annual State school aid increases within the Foundation aid category at a rate not less than the inflation factor. Further, this section amends the real property Tax Law by adding a new Section 1307, which provides limitations upon school district tax levies. Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year the amount of taxes levied for school district purposes for any school year may not exceed the amount of taxes levied for the prior school year by four percent, or by the inflation factor, whichever is lower.”
Section-2 Part-B “ Section-1 amends the General Municipal Law by adding a new Section 25 to require that any state mandated program imposed on municipalities, which creates an annual net additional cost in excess of $10,000 or an aggregate annual net additional cost of $1 million, be funded by the state. However, the state will not be required to fund any new or expanded programs for municipalities if the mandate is: required by a court order or judgment; provided at the option of the municipality; results from the passage of a home rule message requesting the statute; required by an executive order of the Governor; or required by a statute or Executive Order that implements a federal law.”
Where this bill falls short: 1.) 4% is pathetic! 0% tax cap for a period of 7-years is more reasonable! 2.) Unfunded State mandates with $10,000 annual cost limit or $1 Million aggregate annual net? This needs to be Zero so that the practice of tossing State problems “Over the Fence” to local districts stops. If the State feels that it is such a good idea let the State pay for it! Better yet, bring it to the voters!
Please contact your State Assembly Representative and let them know that it is time to &%?$#@ or get off the Pot. This madness needs to end!
That is my opinion and it should be yours!
Mike Dewey
Lockport
