The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

State’s Land Purchase Will Impact Grafton Taxes

By

from the Legislative Majority

 

Rensselaer County Legislator Lester Goodermote, who represents the towns of Stephentown, Berlin, Petersburgh, Grafton, Hoosick and the Village of Hoosick Falls, said he is concerned about the amount of revenue lost to local governments from the State’s purchase of acreage in the Town of Grafton.The State’s purchase of 118 acres of property formerly owned by the Troy Housing Authority for $400,000 means the property comes off the tax rolls, which will hurt Grafton, Rensselaer County, the Berlin Central School District and the local fire district. Because the land was purchased by the State, the School District will lose $6,638.26 annually in tax payments, and a combined amount of $3,996.46 will be lost to the County, Town and fire district.

“The State’s purchase of this 118 acre parcel means more financial pressure on local taxpayers. Taking this property off the tax rolls costs Grafton, Rensselaer County and Berlin School District money that will have to be made up elsewhere,” said Goodermote.

“The loss of the tax revenues is a particularly hard hit for the Town and the School District, especially during these tough financial times. It is very unfortunate the State did not work more closely with local officials, who are already coping with tough financial conditions. I understand the Grafton Town Board stated their concern about this purchase, but, unfortunately, those concerns were ignored,” added Goodermote.

Goodermote said he would like the State to consider offering Grafton a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT), especially since the Town already hosts a large state park. A similar PILOT is extended to the City of Albany for losing taxable properties on the area occupied by the Empire State Plaza. The Grafton Town Board has already adopted resolutions supporting a PILOT.

“I think it would be fair for the State to consider some reasonable way to make up the considerable revenues lost to Grafton for having such large amounts of non-paying state parkland in their town. It’s a matter of fairness,” said Goodermote.