|
|
|
|
Click to visit the
Official Town Site
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 16, 2011
To the Editor:
At the Cornwall-on-Hudson Village Board work session this week the Board set a public hearing on the 2% Tax Cap Override for Monday, December 19th at 7 PM. I am hoping that many of you will be able to attend this.
First, I would like to apologize for the timing. When many of us are busy with holiday plans, we are asking you to come to a meeting. However, this is important!
For some years now we have demanded that Albany listen to us about property taxes and the high cost of living in New York State. Many of our friends and family have left the state and we are all threatened by the high cost of living here. Albany listened and, though the answer may not be perfect, they capped taxes. Unfortunately, they left a crack in the door for an override.
Now, you will hear that this is precautionary. If we raise taxes by 2% and our budgetary estimates do not come in as expected, we could be penalized. So, our intention is to meet the 2% cap but if it goes over we will be protected.
I disagree. I feel that we need to keep the increase low enough that we are well under the 2%. How can we totally disregard our seniors on fixed incomes? What about young families? What about those out of work? Have we lost sight of reality?
In these economic times, how can we do anything else? We demanded relief from Albany and now that they have done it, we totally dismiss it. What kind of a message are we sending back to Albany?
Also, Trustee Argenio attempted to handle this issue in July when he introduced a resolution to the Board recognizing the heavy property tax burden and accepting the 2% tax cap and it was voted down 3-2. So, now its budget time and we are faced with addressing it.
Please give this your consideration and your time. If you want to control the cost of government in our Village, we need to hear from you. The public hearing will start promptly at 7 PM and you will be able to speak and there is no 3-minute limit. It’s your opportunity to be heard. Again, I apologize for the timing because I supported addressing this in July. Thank you.
Barbara Gosda
Trustee
Cornwall-on-Hudson
Comments:
No comments have been posted.
Add a Comment:
Please signup or login to add a comment.
|
 |
|
|
|
