I had a terrific conversation today with a gentleman who was all bent out of shape about our Governor's proposed property tax cap. He was reluctant to tell me which side of the aisle his representation leaned, but he was intent on convincing me the cap should not be implemented. While I'm not sure where he stood, I can tell you where I stand!
I agree wholeheartedly that a property tax cap without corresponding reductions in mandates will present some tremendous challenges for state, county, and local governments. I don't for a second believe we shouldn't proceed with the cap. Let's face it, SOMETHING must be done!
Today no one is dealing with the problem of runaway costs and New York, based upon whatever report you look at, ranks right at the top in property tax rates and the amount of increase over the last several years.
Implementing the cap will force us to revisit the programs and the waste these taxes are funding. If our local governments cannot cover the unfunded mandates without raising taxes, better, and hopefully clearer decisions will be required. In the end, our representatives no longer can simply dump costs on the homeowner...and that is a good end!
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