Stony Point homeowners brace for tax hike

Some Stony Point residents may be forced to shell out as much as $600 more in property taxes under the tentative 2009 budget. "I'm thinking of selling my home," says Kathy Tuohy. "I'm living alone now,

News 12 Staff

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May 28, 2014, 6:55 PM

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Updated 3,712 days ago

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Some Stony Point residents may be forced to shell out as much as $600 more in property taxes under the tentative 2009 budget.

"I'm thinking of selling my home," says Kathy Tuohy. "I'm living alone now, and I can't afford my bills as it is, so if property taxes go up much more, I may have to sell."

Town Supervisor Phil Marino says, however, that despite predictions that property taxes will go up by 22 percent, the final figure will be far lower.

Marino says he's calling on all department heads to carefully go through their budgets and slash spending by 15 percent.

"There will be no area left untouched," Marino promises. "If we can reduce spending and still provide essential services we're going to cut it."

Marino hopes the budget cuts will lighten the burden on taxpayers, who say they can no longer shoulder the mounting expenses.

"They're hurting the people that are trying to survive with children," says John Paul Brancato. "I'm a father of three children, a business owner, and they're devastating us."

The town board is expected to adopt a budget next month. Before the final decision is made, however, two workshop meetings and a public hearing will be held.