Westchester County Association Fights High Property Taxes
The Westchester County Association recently held a Town Hall forum on proposals to reform the tax system. Residents are mobilizing to put a cap on tax increases.
According to Houlihan Lawrence Broker Chris Meyers, “It is painfully obvious that property taxes in the State of New York are out of control. Increasing at an annual rate of 7.5% over the past 10 years, New York’s property taxes are now among the highest in the nation, and 80% higher than the national average. In the Hudson Valley, the median property tax bill now represents about 8% of the median household income. That means we lose one month’s income each year just to pay our property taxes! As real estate professionals, our finances are squeezed both at home and at work. Especially in light of the recent economic downturn, the situation is not sustainable.”
For the past several months, Mr. Meyers has participated on a task force formed by the Westchester County Association to identify potential solutions and mobilize action. The work committee included representatives from County government, local school districts, BOCES, and the business community. The group is trying to bring political pressure on NY State legislators to enact a 4% cap on annual property tax increases - among other reforms - as recently proposed by the Suozzi Commission, a statewide property tax task force sponsored and endorsed by Governor Patterson. The past Town Hall event, co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westchester, allowed the public to air its views.
If you are interested in participating in future town halls contact the WCA at http://www.westchester.org.