Tax Freeze Removed from the Budget

A few months ago, as part of his upcoming budget, Governor Paterson proposed a property tax freeze on all the State lands. This could have had very serious tax implications for all of us here within the boundaries of the Catskill Park. If the state capped the share of money they were willing to pay, any tax increases going forward would be left for us, the individual tax payers, to bear.

With the permission of the Board of Directors, I signed a petition (as the President of the WCA) to have this proposal removed from the Governor's plan. We joined many, many other organizations in this fight and I am happy to report that we were successful in our efforts. Early this week I received this email from the Catskill Center.

"The New York State Budget Bill Eliminates Governor's Proposal to Freeze State Property Tax Payments on State Lands!

After months of grassroots organizing and negotiations, Catskill Mountain communities located on State Forest Preserve lands can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to State property tax payments on those lands. This week the Governor's proposal to freeze the taxes was removed from the NYS budget! Efforts by members of the Catskill Center, combined with the support of our regional elected officials and sister organizations, were instrumental in this major victory! Thank you for helping us win this fight!"

To read more go to:
The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development's Press Room