MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Legislature will have its regular voting session tonight in Mayville, with several items on the agenda. Among the items is setting a public hearing date on a proposed local law that would benefit low-income, first-time homebuyers – although at least two lawmakers from each side of the aisle have come out against the proposal.
Under the proposed local law, first-time homebuyers who meets certain financial eligibility guidelines can receive a 50 percent tax exemption the first year on their county property tax, with a 10 percent exemption decrease each year over five years until they are paying the full rate. Legislator George Borrello (R-Silver Creek) is sponsoring the measure and proponents feel it would encourage more residents to purchase property and contribute to the property tax base.
However, Legisators John Runkle (R-Cassadaga) along with Chuck Nazzaro (D-Jamestown) feel the law is discriminatory as it is currently written – because it only favors low-income, first-time homebuyers.
During last week’s Audit and Control Committee meeting, the two said they’d prefer to see if another law could be introduced that would provide an opportunity for more county residents. They’ve asked the county tax director – Jim Caflisch – to do further research to find out what other exemptions the county may be able to offer.
Leave a Reply