Will Tax Caps Impact Infrastructure Improvements?
The proposed property tax cap put forth by the Governor and State Legislative has caused me to reflect on one unintended consequences of their proposal: our infrastructure.
Local governments, faced with the tax cap, may become penny wise and pound foolish--and put off necessary infrastructure needs. Many of our state, county and local roads currently are in bad shape--with many potholes. The tax cap will result in governments spending less on road repaving. Will some of the necessary repairs on our bridges be delayed? Will governments put off maintenance of municipal owned buildings, swimming pools, playgrounds? Will there be short- term savings and long term liability?
Perhaps, the NYS Legislature should exempt infrastructure improvements made by local, school and county governments from the tax cap if the capital improvements were first placed on the ballot for voters to scrutinize and vote on.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
(914) 993-1545 or (914) 438-1343
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written by Calvin, June 19, 2011
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written by Scarsdale dinosaur, June 14, 2011
The answer is not to simply pay benefits as provided under state law and eviserate local services....and then point the finger at local government...no...the State is responsible and has to be held to account.
The next several years are going to be very tough. Better that the facts come out and rather than point fingers we ALL...try to understand what is a State problem and what a local problem.
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