Assessing the Situation	by Geoff Kelly

County comptroller says consolidation of tax assessment could save millions

Activist attorney Kevin Gaughan is on a campaign to convince Erie County’s 45 municipalities to eliminate two elected positions each in an effort to streamline government. In support of that effort, Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz this week launched a flanking action that would streamline municipal bureaucracies—specifically reducing the number of elected and appointed tax assessors.

Poloncarz released a report this week tht evaluates the cost of property tax assessment in Erie County. Here are some of the highlights:

� According to the New York State Office of Real Property Services (NYSORPS), there are 1,133 distinct bodies in New York State that assess property taxes. California has 59. Only Michigan has more assessing units than New York State.

� In Erie County alone, there are 30 distinct municipal governments that assess property taxes.

� There are 130 budgeted positions for tax assessors in these 30 governments, costing local taxpayers of $6.5 million annually, not including fringe benefits. (Add in fringe benefits and it’s $8.2 million annually.)

� Poloncarz’s study says that the county could pick up property tax assessment countywide for either $2.6 million or $4.4 million, without fring benefits, depending on method.

� Poloncarz’s study says the county could outsource property tax assessment countywide for $3.1 million.

The report also considers New York State financial incentives to governments that adopt a countywide system. You can read more about Poloncarz’s proposal and download the entire report at Artvoice.com. (Go to AV Daily.)

—geoff kelly