167.2008
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE NEW YORK STATE
PROPERTY TAXPAYERS PROTECTION ACT
RESOLUTION NO.: 167, 2008
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. Tim Brewer
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Daniel Stec
WHEREAS, the tremendously high property tax burden on New York families and businesses
is the number one issue facing our community today and the sheer cost of living in New York has
forced many residents and businesses to leave, thus slowing the economic engine of the State, and
WHEREAS, young people are finding it difficult to purchase homes, seniors are struggling to
maintain their homes and businesses are facing immense challenges to create and retain jobs, and
WHEREAS, New Yorkers face the highest property taxes in the nation and when measured as
a percentage of home value, nine of the top 10 property tax rates in the entire country belong to
counties in New York, and the State must act now to thwart the detrimental effects that high property
taxes are having on local governments, and
WHEREAS, Assembly Minority Conference Members have introduced the “New York State
Property Taxpayers Protection Act” (Assembly Bill 8775-A) which puts forth new and innovative
ideas for property tax reform that limit the amount that school districts can raise annually through local
tax levies to four-percent (4%) or the rate of inflation, whichever is less, and
WHEREAS, in addition, the Act would relieve municipalities and school districts of unfunded
mandates, reduce county Medicaid costs, strengthen financial accountability over school tax dollars,
promote local government efficiency and encourage local option insurance pooling, and
WHEREAS, the “New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act” will help fix New
York’s broken property tax system by providing homeowners, businesses and municipalities significant
and lasting relief from the crushing burden of skyrocketing property taxes,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby pauses in its deliberations to
acknowledge New York State’s property tax crisis and urge the immediate passage and chaptering of
the “New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act,” which will help local governments
reinvigorate New York’s economy by providing incentives for people and businesses to move and stay
here, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor’s Office to
forward certified copies of this Resolution to the New York State Governor, the Temporary President
of the New York State Senate, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly and each member of the
New York State Legislature.
Duly adopted this 3rd day of March, 2008, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Brewer, Mr. Stec, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Montesi, Mr. Strough
NOES: None
ABSENT: None