Officials challenge Inergy, Wal-Mart tax reductions

    WATKINS GLEN—Schuyler County, the village of Watkins Glen and the towns of Reading and Dix are opposing the property tax reassessment requests by Inergy and Wal-Mart. The companies’ request for a drop in property taxes was heard by the New York State Supreme Court, Friday, Aug. 17.
    Inergy is requesting assessment reductions for three parcels. The total reduction of $15,015,170 would cut the assessment practically in half to $14,563,631. Inergy’s current assessment for three parcels in Schuyler County is $29,578,801.
    Wal-Mart’s request is only for one parcel. The current assessment is $12,400,000. The requested reduction of $6,775,000 would reduce the total assessment to $5,625,000.
    County Administrator Tim O’Hearn explained Schuyler County, the Watkins school district, village and two towns affected will look to resolve the request outside the court. He explained the municipalities have agreed to share the costs of rejecting the request. Meanwhile, he added that after going before the state supreme court Friday, a second court date would be scheduled in the future. Wal-Mart agreed to its current assessment five years ago during a similar reassessment request.
    O’Hearn said the municipalities are arguing for what they feel would be a fair assessment. He said, “basically, taxpayers pay a fair share,” adding, “our positions is both Wal-Mart and Inergy’s assessments are fair and equitable.” If the assessments are approved as requested, O’Hearn said the county would lose $167,000 in annual taxes.
    “With respect, all loss of revenue is significant,” said O’Hearn.
    Watkins Glen Superintendent Tom Phillips said the two companies’ requests equals a loss of $270,198 in revenue for the district at the Monday, Aug. 6, school board meeting. He explained the reductions in assessments could mean a loss of school tax revenue.