HOMEOWNERS WILL PAY HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES AND GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON THE RISE IN ERIE COUNTY

Comptroller Mychajliw provides insight on 2022 budget that increases the amount families pay in Erie County property taxes

(HAMBURG) – Erie County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw Jr. presented an analysis to the Erie County Legislature on the Erie County Executive’s proposed 2022 budget.  Two main points Comptroller Mychajliw opined on: homeowners across Erie County will pay more in taxes next year compared to the year before, and government spending is going up.

The Comptroller’s Office analysis shows that general fund spending has gone up $262,681,695, or 18.68% since 2014.  The proposed 2022 budget spends $1,668,626,107.00 compared to the 2014 budget of $1,405,944,412.23.

Unfortunately for families, property tax collections increased nearly $74 million since 2014.  This equals an annualized increase of 3.47%.  While the property tax revenue estimate is reasonable, this statement comes with a word of caution. 

The proposed property tax levy for 2022 is 3% greater than last year and a full 35% greater than just ten years ago.  This means regardless of what politicians claim about the tax rate, the actual amount they are paying in property taxes is going up, and up, and up.

“Families suffer while government spending increases.  Taxpayers struggle to pay bills when politicians force them to pay more in property taxes.  Groceries cost more. Gas prices are soaring. Now people are paying more in property taxes in Erie County,” said Comptroller Mychajliw.

The Erie County Executive announced that the proposed property tax rate for 2022 is 4.33 per $1,000 property value, calling it the lowest rate in decades.  According to New York State law, the 4.33 per $1000 proposed rate is the maximum rate that the property tax can be to remain in compliance with the state’s property tax cap. This means Erie County is very close to the cap once again.

Sales tax collections for 2021 are running 24.5% higher than in 2020, when Erie County and the world were in the height of a global pandemic.  If this trend continues through the duration of 2021, it’s anticipated sales tax revenue for Erie County could be $557,375,466.   However, the proposed budget anticipates sales tax revenue to be $549,174,319.  

“It is my duty to report to the Legislature if the anticipated revenues are reasonable to support the Administration’s proposed budget expenses.  They are.  That doesn’t mean this is a responsible budget.  Mark Poloncarz added jobs and increased spending every year.  He gave his Chief of Staff a $13,000 raise.  In addition, there is a budget surplus of $73.7 million.  That means you are being overtaxed,” concluded Comptroller Mychajliw.

For pdf of release click HERE

For pdf of report click HERE