Highland Assessor gets new term

By SANDY LONG

ELDRED, NY — Following heated discussion over tax assessments at the Town of Highland’s September 11 meeting, the board voted to approve the renewal of Lorry King as tax assessor for another six-year term.

During the discussion, councilman Donald Rupp said, “Some assessments are way out of whack.” Earlier that day, Rupp took councilmen Robert Burrow and Andrew Valenti for a “scenic tour” of homes along the river corridor. The tour prompted Burrow and Valenti to agree that there appear to be inconsistencies in some assessments.

“I can’t understand the differences between several houses that are so similar and yet have several thousand dollars difference in assessment,” said Burrow. “We need to see why this is so.” Valenti added, “I have to confirm what Bob said. There are some discrepancies.”

After considerable debate, council members, with the exception of Rupp, voted to approve King’s next term. Her current term expires on September 30.

Rupp expressed his dismay over the decision. “After all this discussion, you’ve got to be kidding me,” he said, before adding, “I call to rescind the vote.” No one seconded the motion and the approval was granted. Burrow added that the board will ask King to thoroughly explain how assessments are arrived at. “I’d like her to take us through her process,” he said.