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Massena village board looks at waving fee charged to residents paying taxes in two installments instead of one

Posted 3/18/15

By ANDY GARDNER MASSENA -- The village board is looking at waiving the 5 percent fee charged to those who opt to pay their property taxes in two installments rather than in a lump payment. Trustee …

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Massena village board looks at waving fee charged to residents paying taxes in two installments instead of one

Posted

By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- The village board is looking at waiving the 5 percent fee charged to those who opt to pay their property taxes in two installments rather than in a lump payment.

Trustee Tim Ahlfeld said he thinks it could help elderly people on fixed income.

As it is now, people have to pay their taxes by July 1. They can opt to pay half by July 1 and the remainder by Aug. 1, with a 5 percent interest payment added to the second installment.

However, Trustee Francis Carvel and Treasurer Julie Sharlow say it would amount to lost revenue because the village budgets about $80,000 in revenue from the interest.

“I say we leave that money in their hand instead of in ours and then they spend it in town,” Ahlfeld said.

Sharlow opined that waiving the fee would be “penalizing people who pay their taxes on time.” She said it could motivate people to pay their taxes in two pieces, meaning the village wouldn’t get their money as quickly.

“I would do that,” she said.

“Amen. That’s the answer,” Trustee Albert Deshaies replied.

Village attorney Matthew McArdle said the board would be within their legal right to waive the fee.

Sharlow said at most, the village would lose $25,000 in revenue.