People living in the town of Victor could be in for a massive hit to the pocket book. That’s because everyone could soon be paying nearly double in taxes.
It’s something town leaders say they couldn’t avoid – but they know will have a broad impact on residents.
It’s been 12 years since Victor has seen a tax hike. An audit oversight, and declining sales and property tax revenue forced the town to double the tax rate.
“I don’t who would want taxes raised,” said Luba Mason. “It’s very difficult on families to budget, so I don’t think anyone can be happy with raising taxes.”
Mason and her two daughters have been living in Victor for five years.
Victor Town Supervisor Jack Marren says tough times in the economy left them with no choice.
“Sales tax has been inching along, and we have not seen dramatic increases,” he said. “We all love the fact when we go fill up our gas tank there is a lower price per gallon. We hope it continues, but that has an impact on our tax rate as well.”
Beginning in 2017, Marren says the tax rate could jump to at least $1.60 per thousand dollars – nearly a dollar more than it stands now.
So what does this mean if you own a home in Victor?
Let’s say your taxable home value is $255,000. Your current town tax is just over $191. Next year, it could be $408.
Marren says while the increase in necessary, the sharpness of it was not.
“Unfortunately, looking back, we probably should have started this two or three years ago,” he said. “Raising taxes $0.15 or $0.20 a year.”
Mason says even with the tax hike, she loves the community and is looking forward to her girls growing up in Victor.
Marron says he does not plan on cutting any services in the town of Victor.
The Victor Town Board will meet on Tuesday, October 11 for the Public Hearing on the Tax Cap Override, then again on Monday, October 24 for the Public Hearing on the 2017 Budget. On Monday, November 14 they will meet for the adoption of the 2017 Budget.
Meetings will be held at the Victor Town Hall main meeting room at 7:00 p.m.
