To the Editor:

Now that we (land/property) “owners” have received our notice for the pounds of flesh owed to the government’s coffers for the town of Potsdam, let's do a little review….

Level of Assessment is now (as indicated on the tax bill) at 69%. A number that is not easily substantiated by any numerical, factual reference; but is utilized as a battering ram to push through the “needed reassessment, revaluation” of property within the township. 

My “pound of flesh” increased by over $70. For what? Inflation? Higher wages to employees? Better benefits or retirement plans? Or the push for an EV car and charging station for the town administration's use? 

Keep this in mind…with the continual, although unrecognizable, property revaluation we should keep our chin up and make it almost a laughable game. Let’s try and find another township in NY just like Potsdam. It must have approximately 15,000 residents and 5,300 parcels, with at least 10% of those parcels being tax exempt. It must also have two full-time assessors working about 30 hours a week, both making over $50K/yr with full benefits. It must have an equalization rate that went from 100% to 69% in seven years, and have increased the tax rate by 8.3% this year. And it must employ an outside private assessment firm at about $500k to do the work of the assessor(s) thus making the position of assessor nearly obsolete. 

The last criteria: the difference in the price tag. As of the last property revaluation to the current one there will be at least $336K increase in property values collectively. Please play along with a response. 

Tracey Haggett-Sloan
Norwood