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Feedback: Reaction To Proposed 20% Tax Hike

Story Published: Oct 2, 2012 at 4:59 PM EDT

Story Updated: Oct 2, 2012 at 6:24 PM EDT

Mark Akins runs a family dairy and beef farm in Lisbon.

He's not looking forward to paying 19 percent more on his county tax bill.

That's the hike proposed Monday night by St. Lawrence County Administrator Karen St. Hilaire.

"I haven't run the numbers exact numbers yet, but I believe we're going to be somewhere, $2,000 to $3,000 more per year for county tax bills," said Akins.

Akins is also a member of the county Legislature. 

Even if his million dollar business can afford such a tax hike, he wonders how others, like those on fixed incomes, would manage.

"Well, it scares me. These type numbers are very scary to homeowners, business owners, everyone," said Akins.

But it's the homeowner who might be hit hardest by the increase.

"I think we already pay enough taxes and that maybe they should try to figure out something else," said Sherrie Moquin, a Morristown homeowner and landlord. 

"I wouldn't be very happy about it now - no 19 or 20 percent on a fixed income - you're very limited," said Bernie Gonyea of Edwards. 

St. Hilaire blames rising costs and falling revenues for the county's continuing budget crisis. 

Her spending plan would cut cut four county jobs and trim several programs. 

But Akins scoffs at the idea that there's nowhere else to cut.

"It's absolutely not true. There's plenty of things to get more efficient. There's always places where you can look at and get better," said Akins.

Of course, the final tax hike will be less than 19 percent - county lawmakers have already made that clear.

But where to start cutting more, that's the question.

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Monday, May 20, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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