X

Keep politicians on toes with upcoming budget, says Heuvelton man

Posted 12/15/14

To the Editor: Ogdensburg lawmakers might actually be on the right track with the current estimated budget. They still have to massage it into a no tax increase or even lower taxes and they will have …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Keep politicians on toes with upcoming budget, says Heuvelton man

Posted

To the Editor:

Ogdensburg lawmakers might actually be on the right track with the current estimated budget. They still have to massage it into a no tax increase or even lower taxes and they will have something.

The “$1 tax increase is a bad way to state it though, since it’s a dollar for every thousand dollars of valuation. In reality, it enriches the coffers and would raise the tax levy by nearly $300,000 and the tax rate by $1.04. Per thousand!

But here’s what makes it bad for struggling tax payers, most of whom have already made life changes to keep affording their homes: with a $50,000 home would rise from $836.50 to $885. For a $100,000 home the tax bill would rise from $1,675 to $1,770.

That’s a lot different than on dollar and I am relieved the information was part of the posted article. As any person who does budgets knows, you keep a few pennies up your sleeve for the final budget, just in case you need it.

I feel certain they will need to use those, and can do so without creating a situation that next year would require tax increases. Again!

Watch out; your lame duck politicos won’t be too worried about doing just that, so keep your eyes open and keep track of their statements and promises into the following years. Just keep them on their toes.

Tom Rivet

Heuvelton