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Working on a solution to
tax equalization issue Re "Reval, revisited," a Dec. 23 editorial commenting on the need for countywide reevaluation of property: Despite keeping the Westchester County tax levy to a minimal increase of 1.77 percent, a recently released report by the Westchester County Tax Commission highlights a perennial problem that underscores the need to reform how real property is assessed within the county. A slight increase in county taxes can actually end up as a decrease on a property tax bill for some residents and an increase that varies from minimal to significant for others. It's clear that the assessment system that produces these wild gyrations year-to-year is outdated and long overdue for an overhaul. Westchester's 25 towns and cities collect property taxes, about 15 percent of which goes to the county. The rest is distributed to support local municipalities and school districts. What makes the assessment system so unpredictable? In order to distribute the county tax burden equally by community, state law requires New York state's Office of Real Property Services to set an equalization rate. The equalization rate is based on the relationship of sample assessments with sales or appraisals in a community. Fluctuations in the real estate market and construction activity, assessment reductions due to appeals, and methodogies that vary from municipality to municipality are factors responsible for producing a wide disparity in assessment results. We understand the problem and are working on a solution. The county is providing the leadership to forge the regional collaboration necessary for a coordinated solution - an assessment system with more predictable outcomes and that all of Westchester's municipalities can embrace. Initiated by County Executive Andrew Spano this past spring, the county applied for a state grant for a study to improve assessment practices - including revaluation. The Westchester Board of Legislators wrote in support of the application, which also had support from key municipal organizations. A grant of $25,000 was awarded in July 2008, and the study group has begun its work. David Jackson, executive director of the Westchester County Tax Commission, is facilitating a wide-ranging and exhaustive discussion on this complex issue with representatives from the Westchester Assessors Association and the Municipal Officials Association. By the terms of the grant, a report is due by the end of February. The county is eligible to receive an additional $25,000 after the report is received by the county board. The Government Operations Committee looks forward to receiving the report and evaluating its findings. The writer, a Democratic county legislator in Yonkers, is chair of the Government Operations Committee, which has oversight of the Westchester County Tax Commission. |
