Letter to the Editor

VC opposes tax exemptions

By Joseph Bond, Valley Central Board of Education, Montgomery
Posted 11/5/20

Please note that the Valley Central School District does not support the proposed changes by the Town of Montgomery IDA to the Uniform Tax Exemption Policy. Below are excerpts from an October 13th …

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Letter to the Editor

VC opposes tax exemptions

Posted

Please note that the Valley Central School District does not support the proposed changes by the Town of Montgomery IDA to the Uniform Tax Exemption Policy. Below are excerpts from an October 13th letter from our Superintendent John Xanthis to the IDA Board Members regarding the proposed changes.

In the letter Mr. Xanthis opens with the following “As the District has previously stated and it bears restating, the School District strongly opposes giving companies, especially multibillion dollar company’s unjustified and egregious long- term tax abatements that unfairly burdens and takes advantage of the local taxpayers and residents.” Mr. Xanthis also advises that, “In our opinion, as proposed, the tax abatement schedules are counter intuitive to the IDA’s mission and do not improve the lives of the residents it seeks to serve.” Mr. Xanthis concludes his letter with, “It cannot be understated that the loss of millions in tax dollars will have a detrimental effect on the opportunities of our residents and their children. Our common goal should and must be investing in the quality of our local education, public infrastructure, and quality of life. That goal must be shared equally by all property owners and not shouldered by the existing property owners for the benefit of multibillion dollar companies.” The full three page letter from Mr. Xanthis can be viewed on our district website by following the Budget and Pilot links.

Please take time to visit the Town of Montgomery IDA site to review the proposed changes and comment accordingly.