COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION Joint with Budget & Appropriations
MINUTES: OCTOBER 18, 2004
MEMBERS: Chair: Martin Rogowsky. Legislators: Bronz, Oros, Pinto.
B&A MEMBERS: Chair: Michael Kaplowitz; Legislators: Oros, Rogowsky, Wishnie.
IN ATTENDANCE: BOL: Ettere, Davis, Corbin (Intern); CEO: A. Neuman, B. Randolph, K. Ryan; LAW: L. Trentacoste, B. McGrath, L. Cipolllo; BUDGET: K. Carrano; TAX COMMISSION: David Jackson; LWV: R. MacLaughlin. TAX RECEIVERS: L. Peterson (New Castle & Pres. of Tax Recvrs. Assn.), K. Roach (North Salem); G. Fried (Ossining); D. Dwinell (Greenburgh)
The Committee on Budget & Appropriations was called to order at 1:17 p.m.
Ms. Fried (Ossining) submitted written comments to the Committees (On file).
Item #65 – Itemizing Costs in the County Tax Bill
Item # 65 is a proposed local law that would amend Section 283.301 of the Laws of Westchester County to itemize the costs contained in the County’s tax bill. This proposal would require tax receivers to add an additional line on the County’s tax bill to reflect New York State Medicaid Costs.
There was a brief discussion.
Overall, tax assessors stated no general objection to a change of the law as long as there is no additional expense incurred by them. Legislator Rogowsky stated this would merely be a clarification to the law not a change to it.
The Committee on Legislation was called to order at 1:39 p.m.
Item # 26 e – Installment Tax Payments
Item # 26 e is a proposed local law that would create an option for local towns to collect partial payment for County property taxes. This particular proposal, which would allow anyone to pay County taxes in two installments, amends the original proposal which was targeted at senior citizens of the age of 65 and older. This latest proposal was triggered by comments received from local tax receivers stating that it would be a lot easier if the legislation applied to all residents, not just seniors.
There was a brief discussion.
Tax assessors expressed much opposition to this law stating that two separate tax bills would create confusion amongst taxpayers and tax assessors, and updating the software system to account for the double tax bills would be costly for the towns. The Committee discussed whether educating seniors regarding the new laws would abate confusion.
Both Committees were adjourned at 2:47 pm.
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