To the Editor:

As the Supervisor of the Town of Hopkinton, I have been questioned regarding the recent banner that a community member placed on a float in the fire department parade. This banner stated “Windmills = 50% cut in land taxes for Hopkinton.”

The information regarding this statement came from a conversation with this individual in the town office. I was asked if the town received $300,000 for the wind project, would it lower the taxes by 50%. Our total revenue for 2017 taxes was approximately $560,000 (which was a 0.68% increase over the 2016 budget). Any PILOT agreements would need to be deducted from this amount.

Based on these figures, it would appear that the amount to be raised by taxes would be reduced to $260,000; thereby giving the impression of a savings.

I also need to state that it was also mentioned that this would not be sustainable.

It must be noted that this was a conversation based on what if, not facts. The town board has not negotiated a PILOT agreement or any figures with the wind developer.

The local law states that the Town of Hopkinton has opted out of NYS Real Property Tax Law Section 487.

Susan Wood

Town of Hopkinton supervisor