HERE & THERE COLUMN

  Is Property Tax Cap Working Out?

  Taxes and government are always favorite topics to discuss with politicians, whether they are Republican, Democrat or  Independent and the topic of the property tax cap gets some interesting discussion.
  Of course when discussing these topics politicians do not want their name mentioned but there are some who  really don't  think too highly of the limit on property tax as one of several ways to stop the ever increasing property taxes.
  We continue to hear from so many of the folks who still feel that everyone in New York State is more then struggling to pay rising property taxes and so many are  in favor of using government consolidation as the mechanism that can reduce numbers of local government units.
   Interesting to note that many in the political circle voiced the opinion that tax control or a limit on how high taxes can be raised just gives government the right to raise property taxes a small percentage each year and does not go to the heart of the problem which is New York property taxes which top the national average.
   The opinion is very strong that many  who live in New York State wants much needed reform on rising property taxes and folks can no longer put up with ever increasing property taxes. Just look at the number of people who have their homes up for sale and are moving out of the state.
   Of course everyone hears  too much lip service on the topic of tax control and politicians everywhere say they are going to keep taxes down but never follow through on their political promises.
   We hear all the time from folks who agree that local government and school districts think they are pulling the wool over our eyes by only announcing small yearly tax increases.
   Many express comments  that the  limit on property tax rates is again nothing more than political BS and serious studies by all municipalities and school districts should focus on consolidation which can lead to expanding the present tax base and a reduction in property taxes.