Written by Matt Spillane
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High property taxes and pension costs were two main points of discussion at the Lewisboro Library on Monday night, when New York State Senator Greg Ball discussed his political goals and concerns with the Town Board.
Financial issues were among several topics talked about at the board’s meeting as part of Senator Ball’s “Town Hall Tour,” which began with Lewisboro and will include all 22 towns in his 40th District.
With his political team beside him but only a few members of the community present, Mr. Ball spoke at the beginning of the board’s meeting but did not take any questions from the public despite issuing a press release on Friday that he would. He did field questions from the board members, though, who expressed their financial concerns.
After the senator spoke about the state property tax cap that was passed last month, Town Board member Dan Welsh asked him about his views on changing the funding process for New York’s school districts, which are supported by property taxes.
“I would liked to have seen more of a move toward a circuit breaker,” a method that would more accurately link residents’ taxes with what they can actually afford, said Mr. Ball. “A circuit breaker would help some of these blue collar families and young professionals. I’ll continue to fight for that. There was a real push for it. I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibilities.”
Mr. Ball called the school taxes “a crisis throughout the state of New York” and asked the board members for their input on how to improve the tax cap going forward. (READ MORE [5])
