X

North Country budget levy hikes will be capped at 2 percent in 2019

Posted 8/5/18

Property tax levy growth for local governments in the North Country and around the state with fiscal years that close on Dec. 31 will be capped at 2 percent for the 2019 fiscal year, according to …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

North Country budget levy hikes will be capped at 2 percent in 2019

Posted

Property tax levy growth for local governments in the North Country and around the state with fiscal years that close on Dec. 31 will be capped at 2 percent for the 2019 fiscal year, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

This figure affects the tax cap calculations for all counties, towns, fire districts, 44 cities and 10 villages.

“For these local governments, allowable levy growth will be 2 percent for the first time since 2013,” due to slightly higher inflation this year, DiNapoli said.

In spite of increased tax revenue, “municipal budgets will still be vulnerable to rising fixed costs and potential federal funding cuts,” DiNapoli said. “Local officials should proceed cautiously when crafting their spending plans for next year.”

The tax cap, which first applied to local governments in 2012, limits tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2 percent with some exceptions, including a provision that allows municipalities to override the tax cap.

During the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years, municipalities with a fiscal year ending on Dec. 31 had their levy growth capped at less than 2 percent.