|
Published: October 05, 2008 07:07 pm
NIAGARA COUNTY: Lawmakers looking for tax relief
Resolution would seek support for school property tax cap
By Mark Scheer E-mail Mark
Niagara Gazette
Niagara County lawmakers may formally request help next week in dealing with a No. 1 concern — property taxes.
Members of the Niagara County Legislature are expected to consider a resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Richard Updegrove, R-Lockport, that calls on members of the state Assembly to approve a statewide school property tax cap.
The state property tax relief commission, headed by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, released a report in June that recommended restricting school property tax growth to no more than 4 percent per year or 120 percent of the Consumer Price Index.
Earlier this year, members of the Republican-led state Senate passed legislation that would impose a 4-percent cap on property taxes in New York. County lawmakers would like members of the Democratic-led Assembly to do the same.
“We are going to do whatever we can do to control property taxes,” said Legislature Chairman Bill Ross, C-Wheatfield.
Assembly Democrats approved a measure of their own in August that would tie property taxes to a percentage of household income. The so-called “circuit breaker” bill aims to reduce the tax burden for lower-income individuals and families earning up to $250,000 per year. The bill applies to all school, county, town and village taxes and would provide tax credits on state income taxes. The plan also calls for an increase in income taxes for those earning more than $1 million per year.
Suozzi and Gov. David Paterson are currently holding public hearings at locations across the state in an effort to solicit input on ways to develop a compromise plan that might satisfy both legislative houses.
Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, D-Niagara Falls, supports continued review of the competing tax proposals, saying she wants to make sure whatever the state decides does not adversely impact property owners in Niagara Falls the surrounding area.
“Whatever plan ultimately comes before the Legislature next year has to be a plan that works for upstate,” DelMonte said.
During a recent stop in Niagara Falls, Suozzi discussed the tax relief commission’s findings, noting that the state’s local property taxes are the highest in the country and 79 percent above the national average.
The state’s tax problem is particularly troubling to lawmakers in Niagara County where, according to a recent report from the Tax Foundation, property taxes as a percentage of home values are the highest in the nation.
According to the Tax Foundation, the owner of the average Niagara County home valued at $95,800 paid a property tax bill equal to about 2.9 percent of the home’s value. Niagara County topped the same list two years ago. Last year, it finished second in the country, behind only New York’s Westchester County.
In response, Updegrove announced a tentative plan to form a local property tax relief commission which would involve the county, local school districts and municipalities in a discussion about ways to address local property tax issues.
|
|
|
|
 |
Sales support
20 yr old industry leader, is expanding thru-out USA. Sales support position in our N. Falls, NY office. Salary, 8:30-5...>MORE
Spanish Teacher
SPANISH Teacher-F/T, Exp., NYS Cert. Send resume to khalgash@ wny.twcbc.com or St. Peter RC School 140 N. 6th St., Lewis...>MORE
Medical Office Assistant
MED. OFFICE ASST, PT, exp pref but not necessary, Med-Dent know- ledge helpful. Email resume to: mary paones sa@yahoo.c...>MORE
Senior Resident Counselor
SENIOR RESIDENT COUNSELOR: Responsible for the Case Management and Rehabilitation Planning for a caseload of residents i...>MORE
Nursing
NEED MONEY? RN’s, LPN’s, HHA’s & PCA’s Needed Immediately HIGH PAY RATES!! For Staffing & ...>MORE
Housekeeping Aide
Housekeeping Aide. Day shift. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include some week-ends and holidays. Dependabl...>MORE
Cashiers
CASHIERS - Looking for cashiers for convenience store in Wrights Corners. Call 689-0600 ext. 31. ...>MORE
COTA
SCHOELLKOPF HEALTH CENTER
C.O.T.A.- Short Term Rehab Clinic
Opportunity to work in dynamic ...>MORE
Cleaners
Housekeeping, Summer/ permanent help, p/t-4 day work wk, no w/e, bonuses, car nec. 694-2810 ...>MORE
CLEANERS
Housekeeping, Summer/ permanent help, p/t-4 day work wk, no w/e, bonuses, car nec. 694-2810 ...>MORE
See all ads |
RNs
SCHOELLKOPF HEALTH CENTER
C.O.T.A.- Short Term Rehab Clinic
Opportunity to work in dynamic ...>MORE
2000 Chevy S-10
CHEVY 2000 S-10 pick up, 2.2L, 5 spd, ext cab, EC in & out, CD, cold AC, great gas mi. $2750. 523-7102...>MORE
Ford Escape XLT 2001
FORD ESCAPE XLT 2001, remote start, new catalytic converter, 116K, $3800 or best offer. 480-3031...>MORE
Audi 1998 A6 Sedan
Audi 1998 A6 Sedan with 160k miles. Charcoal ext., Tan int., 4DR, Automatic, AWD, 6 Cylinder, Gas engine. Pow...>MORE
FORD 1999 150
FORD 1999 150 pickup, good cond., tool box, bedliner, standard, $2500 or BO. 523-3653...>MORE
Olds 2001 Intrigue
Olds 2001 Intrigue, 130k runs great, leather, sun roof clean inside/out. $3000or BO. 628-6295...>MORE
1997 Ford Taurus GL
FORD 1997 Taurus GL, good condition, cold A/C, cruise, 1 owner, white. $1995 or BO. 990-6187....>MORE
1994 Pontiac Sunbird
PONTIAC 1994 Sunbird conv. V6, EC in & out, red w/blk top, wht int., CD, real sharp. $2850. 523-7102...>MORE
1994 Buick Roadmaster Wagon
BUICK 1994 Roadmaster Estate Wagon, V8, 130k, fair condition, 1 owner. $2800 or BO. 297-1061....>MORE
Dodge 2001 SLT
‘O1 DODGE SLT, 8’ bed, cap, spray line, low miles. Never seen winters, $7,300. 998-0230...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|