Highland hosts meetings on town matters and taxes

Second party claims ownership of riverfront property; town talks taxes

By SANDY LONG

ELDRED, NY — Meetings conducted recently in the Town of Highland resulted in a celebration, a surprise and a load of information related to tax assessments.

Town meeting

At the monthly town meeting, councilmen learned that a second party is claiming ownership to part or all of a riverfront property recently offered for donation to the Town of Highland by Aaron Robinson of Shohola, PA. A letter submitted by attorney Carl R. Sloan on behalf of John W. Cambio stated, “Please be advised that Mr. Cambio is the actual owner of all or a portion of the property that Mr. Aaron Robinson intends to donate. We strongly urge you to obtain a full title search before accepting his donation.” At last month’s meeting, the board authorized town attorney Michael Davidoff to begin the title search.

The board also heard Robinson’s brother, Jules, state his concerns over safety and environmental issues associated with the establishment of a public beach at the site in question. Robinson cited recent Delaware River drowning statistics, then added, “The area you’re considering for a beach is at the base of a rapids and has characteristics to be incidental for drownings.” Robinson, who displayed citations he received in the past from the Upper Delaware Council and the National Park Service related to river safety, called the town’s one-million-dollar insurance policy “inadequate to the level of risk.”

The meeting also included a celebration, cake included, of the retirement of 20-year town employee Peter Barnes. Highway superintendent Norman Sutherland cited Barnes’s history of dependability and added, “He’s like my brother. I hate to see him go.” With his free time, Barnes plans to take his wife, a collector of Norman Rockwell memorabilia, on a long-awaited trip to the Rockwell museum. And though he’ll miss working for the town, Barnes said, “I’ve got a lot of work around home to catch up on.”

Tax meeting

More than 60 people turned out for a special meeting with tax assessor Lorry King and southern regional manager John Wolham of the New York State Office of Real Property Services (ORPS). The meeting was organized by councilmen Donald Rupp and Andrew Valenti to provide information to residents regarding tax assessments in the Town of Highland, which increased by 23 percent this year. Wolham began by describing the state’s Real Property Tax System, and then fielded questions.

Abundant handouts were offered, with titles such as “How the Property Tax Works,” “Fair Assessments,” “Reassessment” and “Understanding the Equalization Rate.” Attendees came prepared with questions and listened closely as they tried to make sense of the complex information presented.

In the course of the nearly three-hour session, taxpayers learned that each municipality determines its own level of assessment (LOA) and that the town board has set Highland’s assessment at 100 percent of market value. Towns at 100 percent can apply for reassessment aid of $5 per parcel. Rupp said that this equals approximately $15,000 total for Highland.

Following an explanation about reassessment, Highland Lake resident Mark Visneski asked, “When did we vote to go to reassessment on an annual basis?” He was told, “2003.” Visneski received applause for his followup statement, “I want to know how we can get out of it.” He was told the town board could decide at any time to make the change.

As the questions expanded beyond the realm of tax assessments, it became clear that the evening session could only address part of the taxing issues facing the town and required feedback from the other taxing entities. Wolham said that the largest tax bite usually comes from the school tax, followed by the county tax, with the town budget typically causing the smallest impact to taxpayers.

Charles Penna, supervisor of the Town of Mamakating who is running for a seat on the Sullivan County Legislature, charged that the problems related to taxing were beyond the scope of Wolham’s jurisdiction. “He’s here to defend the state, but it’s a flawed program,” Penna said. “The system is totally broken. He’s not going to fix it. We have to lobby Albany.”

Chuck Trager of Yulan said that “rising assessments are driving out the locals,” as he described the process of gentrification, where newer homes assessed at high values “drag along homes that have been here all along and are nowhere near that value.” Wolham said that an increasing number of questions are being raised about the current system of property-based taxation, but that the legislature must enact changes to the system. “Bring your ideas to your legislature,” Wolham said.

Valenti added that assessment is only half of the equation. “Don’t be deceived that a reduction in assessment equates to a reduction in taxes,” he said. In fact, a handout provided that evening (“Assessments vs. Taxes: What’s the Difference?”) described three varying scenarios—the first, where assessments could increase while tax bills decrease; the second, where assessments increase while the tax bill remains the same; and the third, where assessments decrease while the tax bill increases.

Other issues related to Grievance Day were raised. Conni Visneski, of Highland Lake, complained of a 158 percent increase on a four-acre parcel of swampy land that she owns. “We have to grieve this every year,” she said. “I’ll probably have to be here next year.” Others complained about the process of Grievance Day, which continued until nearly 4:00 a.m. King responded, “Next year, we’re taking appointments.” King urged anyone with questions or concerns to call or visit her office sooner than later. “Come and see me now,” said King. “Don’t wait for Grievance Day.” King can be reached at 845/557-6563.

For more information on factors affecting tax bills, ORPS advises contacting the school board, town board or county officials. Visit www.orps.state.ny.us for additional information.