Greenburgh approves 2020 budget with a probable tax rate CUT

GREENBURGH TOWN BOARD’S HOLIDAY PRESENT TO TAXPAYERS – NO HIKE IN TAX LEVY, PROBABLE REDUCTION IN TAX RATE FOR 2020

The Greenburgh Town Board unanimously approved the 2020 budget late last week. Some good news for taxpayers. Unlike many municipal governments around the region that have increased taxes, the Town Board approved a budget with no hike in the tax levy. And, a probable tax rate REDUCTION next year. Westchester County has also approved a budget with a probable tax rate reduction. I am not aware of other municipal governments in Westchester that have reduced their tax rates. Most have increased taxes slightly.

The tax levy remained the same as in 2019, $9,321,202 for the Town Entire and $59,201,693 for the Town Outside. The levy remained the same even with the inclusion of funds for investment in infrastructure, three union contract settlements, new social media and economic development initiatives. The Town continues to seek grant opportunities to offset some of the Towns costs.

The assessments are trending upward. If the assessments continue to rise, the Town Entire and Town Outside anticipate a tax rate reduction for 2020. The final tax rate will not be determined until March of 2020. We will work hard in 2020 to find ways to make government more efficient and always look for additional ways to save money. We always welcome and appreciate your recommendations and reflect on your suggestions.

Have a happy holiday season.

Correct dollar amounts for A & B

Total Appropriations

Town Entire 34,825,775

Town Outside 88,377,495

Tax Levy 2020

Town Entire 9,321,202

Town Outside 59,201,693

Assessed Values as of 3/15/2019

Town Entire 20,302,807,436

Town Outside 10,323,904,140

2020 tax rate based on the above levy and assessed values

Town Entire 0.4591

Town Outside 5.7344

Percentage projected decrease based on the above tax rate from 2019

Town Entire projected tax rate decrease for 2020 (villages and unincorporated) 3.034%

Town Outside projected tax rate decrease for 2020 (unincorporated only) 2.120%

PAUL FEINER