Elected Capital Region officials oppose Cuomo tax freeze

By Jordan Carleo-Evangelist

Albany

More than 100 local elected officials — including two Capital Region sheriffs — are calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers to back off the governor's plan for a two-year freeze on property tax growth.

In the letter released Thursday, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple and Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo are among the local leaders who say Cuomo's plan, under which the state would rebate homeowners for modest property tax increases over the next two years, would force counties, cities, towns and school districts to cut vital services to meet the requirements.

In order to be eligible for the rebates, homeowners must live in taxing districts that stay within the state tax cap and, in the second year, find savings by cooperating with neighboring municipalities to share services.

Other local officials who signed the letter include Albany County Comptroller Michael Conners, Albany County Legislature Chairman Shawn Morse, Albany city Treasurer Darius Shahinfar and Troy school board member Carol Harvin.

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Elected-Capital-Region-officials-oppose-Cuomo-tax-5295832.php