Mount Pleasant residents speak out about a possible property tax increase
This is comes after the town wants to pass a local law authorizing the town to exceed the 2% tax cap for the 2025 budget.
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Residents in Mount Pleasant are speaking out about a possible property tax increase. This is comes after the town wants to pass a local law authorizing the town to exceed the 2% tax cap for the 2025 budget.
No decision was made at Tuesday's meeting on this.
But over 60 people went to voice their concerns and opinions to board members on this possible increase.
"This is uncharted territory. Taxes here in Westchester are one of the highest in the country," says resident Bob Levy.
The town wants to pass a local law to authorize them to exceed the 2% tax cap for the 2025 budget. It would raise real property taxes by 1.5% above the state limit of 2%.
"Everything costs more," says Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi. "In order to provide all the services that we provide in the town, we have to raise the tax a little bit to cover for it."
State law says a local government may create a budget that requires a tax levy greater than the 2%. But in order to do so, a local law like this one is required for the coming fiscal year only.
A total of 60% of the town board needs to vote in favor of it for it to pass.
"We're all taxpayers. The town board members all live in town," says Fulgenzi.
Over 60 residents went to Tuesday's meeting to show and voice their opposition.
"It's crushing. I pay a ridiculous amount of tax," says resident Gol Ophir.
Some even say an increase would make them consider moving.
"I'm reaching retirement age. I'd love to stay here, but if taxes go up dramatically, it would force us out," says Levy.
This will be discussed again on Dec. 10.
