Assemblywoman Galef to Introduce Legislation Regarding the Assessment of Golf Courses and Country Clubs

Assemblywoman Galef announced her intention to introduce legislation to clarify the way that golf courses in the State of New York are assessed for tax purposes. Inspired by the grievances filed in the Village of Briarcliff that would greatly decrease the tax revenues to the village from two expansive properties, the bill would clarify the methods used to determine the value of these types of property.

This bill is highly anticipated by local activists, many of whom will see their taxes raised if the golf courses are favored in the grievance process. Some of Galef’s constituents have organized community events, including a march, in opposition to lowering the taxes on the properties. Contrary to some rumors, the Assemblywoman will not be in attendance at these events, as she will be in Albany for the Legislative Session.

Due to the complexity of how tax grievances of this kind have been treated in the courts, and the lack of clarity in the state law, drafting this legislation has proven to be a challenge. The Assemblywoman is working with local officials, experts on the topic of golf courses property values, assessors, and attorneys to craft an efficient and clear law.

Galef said: “It is important to ensure that all properties are paying their fair share to the communities they are in. The fact that golf courses are assessed using a variety of methods across the state means that municipalities do not have a consistent tax base, and can leave homeowners with unfairly high tax burdens.”