Taxing times for towns

Issues drive desperate measures

By SANDY LONG

ELDRED AND GLEN SPEY, NY — More than 80 mostly unhappy residents of the Town of Highland crammed into town hall on May 15 after receiving their tax assessments recently. One man faces a 43 percent increase. Another complained that he is forced to fight his assessment every year. One woman saw her assessment increase by $400,000. Many were outraged at what they say is a chronic and debilitating situation that is driving people from their homes or forcing them to choose between eating or paying their taxes.

Their frustration was evident in the actions they proposed: “What if we all got on a bus to Albany?” suggested highway superintendent Norman Sutherland. “Can we hold back our taxes?” questioned Terry Gross, who added, “We need a revolution. I see no end to this.”

In response to the seemingly unresolvable situation, a group of concerned citizens is forming to call into question the validity of this year’s assessment before its final submittal. They plan to disseminate information about their efforts at Grievance Day on May 27.

Supervisor Tina Palecek has seen her own tax assessment increase by $168,000 in two years. Since assuming office in January 2008, Palecek has been pressing for answers to the town’s tax-related issues. She has traveled to Albany to meet with state legislators, where she presented a petition signed by 437 citizens seeking tax relief. She has met with New York State Office of Real Property Services and Highland tax assessor Lorry King to question current practices. Palecek has also assumed the role of town budget officer and, as such, will be closely examining the town budget and its impact on taxes.

According to Palecek, one issue affecting assessments is the declining real estate market. “Our assessments don’t appear to be accurate reflections of the market value of our homes,” said Palecek, who noted that values are traced back to 2003 when the real estate market was booming.

Another issue is the 100 percent assessment shared by the towns of Highland and Lumberland, the only two towns participating in a six-year agreement that ends in July 2008 and is being evaluated for changes. “The issue of assessments is absolutely essential to this board,” said Palecek. “We inherited a six-year plan and we are trying to fix it from here forward. If 100-percent assessment is so good, why are we the only two towns doing it?” she asked.

One change that Palecek has already put in place relates to the town’s notorious Grievance Day, which was limited to a single day in 2007. The event continued until 4:00 a.m. and caused such an uproar that Palecek has made certain that circumstance won’t be repeated. This year’s session is scheduled for May 27 at the town hall and will end at 10:30 p.m.

Prior to Grievance Day, citizens can grieve their assessments by scheduling an appointment with King, who advised that grievance forms must be obtained and the proper materials prepared. If unable to get an appointment, taxpayers should attend Grievance Day. Hearings will occur from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., although King said that she will accept grievance forms and materials throughout the day.

Any resident who has filed grievance papers and remains unheard will be rescheduled to a follow-up adjournment meeting that has not yet been scheduled. Call King at 845/557-6563 for more information.

Sullivan County Association of Supervisors prepares for legal action

In addition to the issue of assessments, Sullivan County towns are grappling with the impact of their school-based tax systems. The towns of Highland and Lumberland share the Eldred Central School District system. Both township supervisors have stated that the time has come to address the tax burden placed upon the towns by the way the school district is funded.

At Lumberland’s town meeting on May 14, supervisor John LiGreci said, “We’re getting taxed out of our homes and the school is falling apart. We don’t need an investigation to prove that there’s a problem. We need to change how the school is financed.” The next evening at Highland’s town meeting, Palecek commented, “There is a big issue here with how the schools get their money. We all want the best for our children, but we must find some relief for the taxpayers.”

LiGreci called the situation “a chronic problem throughout the state,” and as chairman of the Sullivan County Association of Supervisors (SCAS), he has led an initiative to encourage New York State Governor David Paterson and state legislators to take action on the matter. According to LiGreci, the SCAS wants a bipartisan committee between the Senate and the Assembly to create a bill acceptable to both with alternative solutions such as an income-based tax.

Sullivan County Treasurer Ira Cohen prepared a resolution proposal and petition for the SCAS’s approval at a special meeting conducted on May 21, said LiGreci. The SCAS is prepared to follow up with a lawsuit targeting New York State legislators if necessary.

“The system needs to change,” said LiGreci. “I don’t know what to tell my citizens anymore.”