…but we’ve got some tax increases on the horizon that we can still prevent if we speak up now.
1.) The Whitehall School District is talking about a 6% increase in property taxes for the coming school year. Even though enrollment is falling and with record hikes in education spending the last two years, the district can’t control spending. They’re talking about cutting some positions but they need to probably double the cuts they are considering. Supposedly they are getting federal stimulus funds but they’re continuing down a path to destroy the tax base of the town of Whitehall. The vote on the proposed budget and election of some board seats will be held on Tuesday, May 19th from 12 pm to 9 pm in the large group instruction room. There will be one public meeting on the proposed budget on Monday, May 11th. Why not solicit comments now when the budget is being formulated and not at a shame meeting when they’ve already decided that they’re going to stick it to the taxpayers again? What can we do?
A.) We need to identify committed tax cutters to run for the Board of Education. The current Board is simply not getting it done. Every year enrollment drops and taxes go up 5%-6%.
B.) We need to write letters like the Post Star proposes to the school district. See Post Star editorial.
C.) Know our school board elected officials and let your voice be heard.
2.) The Governor, has not backed down from his proposal to change the way the State of NY pays property taxes on its forest preserve land. Here is a great letter to the editor which explains what he is proposing. If this takes effect in next years budget you’ll see a significant shift in property taxes toward private owners. The Governor’s popularity has fallen to a 30 year low so while he may not get it, at least we do. Hello Rudy or Andrew.
We’re not powerless. Start speaking out.