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WPCNR Rememberance. Some fleeting thoughts by Peter Katz Co-anchor, White Plains Week. March 1, 2009: For part of the time I was with ABC News, one of my responsibilities was to oversee Paul Harvey’s radio newscasts — a five minute morning drivetime newscast and a 15 minute noontime show. At the time, I was on the management side of the business, in charge of the news programming for ABC Radio’s Entertainment Radio Network. Back then, there were four distinct radio network services originated by ABC. Paul Harvey was “assigned” to my network, and was carried by the approximately 400 stations on that network plus about 800 more stations affiliated with the other three ABC radio networks. Estimates of his cumulative audience ranged from 20-million to 50-million different people listening to at least one of his broadcasts each week. He was the most-listened-to personality in radio.
My office at the time was at the studio facilities at 1926 Broadway, overlooking
For many years, his broadcasts were introduced as “Paul Harvey News.” However, a lot of the content went far beyond news into the realm of commentary. I felt that the broadcasts should be identified for what they were, and campaigned until the top executives in the news division agreed with me. Paul balked when I proclaimed that from now on his broadcasts were to be identified as “Paul Harvey News and Commentary.” After extended negotiation, he agreed to a double identification in which the word “commentary” would not be used, but the word “comment” would. The announcer said: “Paul Harvey News and Comment brought to you by (sponsor credit). Now, Paul Harvey News.” I don’t know whether identifying the broadcasts as going further than just reporting the news made a difference to anyone but me.
As of the last time I listened, they still were using that introduction, which frequently was voiced by his son, Paul Harvey Jr., acting as the announcer.
Sometimes, Paul would come to
His newscasts were notable for carrying stories you never heard anywhere else. He got a lot of his material from what’s called the “B” wire. These were secondary Associated Press and United Press International wires which carried feature and human interest stories, and the lesser hard news stories of the day. He also received a steady stream of local newspaper clippings from friends, listeners and local radio station operators around the country.
Paul was very health conscious in what he ate. He was big on a lunch consisting of a banana with peanut butter.
From time to time he and Angel would go on vacation to their house in Carefree,
Although Paul was doing guest shots on the t-v talk shows and an occasional news commentary, he wasn’t doing any regular television at the time. I had an idea and worked with a
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WPCNR MR.and Mrs. and Ms. White Plains Poll. February 28, 2009: The school budget remains a mystery at this time, since the district does not know what the final Assessment Roll — due out Monday morning– will be. However the vast number of assessment challenges (855) filed this year — virtually 4 times the last year total would indicate the School Assessment Roll will decline from the $288.4 level reported out. This will mean that the tax rate currently configured to be $513 per $1,000 of assessed valuation — worst case about $517 per $1,000 of Assessed Valuation.
The School District is also anticipating a $2.5 Million in education aid — not figured into the present budget. The preliminary budget since it does not match up expected revenues against expenses is actually misleading. Because if the revenues do not cover the $185.9 Million budget– the tax rate will have to increase beyond the rate WPCNR has estimated it will take to cover the assessment shortfall.
WPCNR has also figured that by the City of White Plains own prediction of about an $11 Million shortfall in revenues for the present year,08-09, that the city tax will have to go up in 09-10 to cover all the union contracts if they award increases, and if department cuts presently being scrambled for, are not carried over into 09-10, and if the sales tax dips this year instead of increasing as it is expected to decrease, a sharp increase of about $1,000, pending whatever budget magic the city casts on their budget, might happen.
Say if the city keeps the budget the same you are still looking at about a tax increase between city, county and school taxes. And, looking to the future of the school district budget, sure to face a precipitous plummet in assessed value next year due to the trends now accelerated, it might behoove the school district to cut more out of this year’s budget to keep the present tax increase at 2%. That given the case, would does Mr. and Mrs. and Ms. White Plains think about some of these options. Let us know by voting in the survey at the right:
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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. February 28, 2009: The Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety reports as of Saturday that White Plains police are following up leads that have come in on possible suspects in the $6,000 bank robbery at the Stop N Shop last Monday morning. Daniel Jackson issued this statement to WPCNR Saturday:
Nothing concrete. We’re investigating a couple of leads that have come in, however no arrests have been made as of now.
Persons who might recognize this man — captured on video surveillance camera committing the robbery should contact Police at 914-422-6111, your confidentiality will be protected.
CRIMESTOPPERS: Do you recognize this man, shown committing the Stop N Shop robber last Monday? If you do or have information on his whereabouts, contact White Plains Police, 422-6111, in confidence.
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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From the Office of the Westchester County District Attorney. February 28, 2009: Lucien Chalfen, spokesperson for Westchester County District Attorney announced yesterday that aWestchester County Grand Jury had voted to charge Sheldene Campbell with felonies, in connection with the hit and run death of Marie Bucci, a resident of the Haviland Manor neighborhood in White Plains, and the hit-and-run injuries suffered by another resident of the same neighborhood on October 19. Chalfen reported Campbell would be arraigned on the new charges in mid-March. Chaldene is being held on $200,000 bail in the Westchester County Jail.
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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY. By the WPCNR Roving Reporter. February 27, 2009: The White Plains Fortunoff, the apple of Mayor Delfino’s eye, his crowning achievement next to the City Center and Ritz Carlton hotel which he brought to White Plains has confirmed worst fears: Fortunoff has “Going Out of Business” signs being carried by one billboard man today as of 11:45 A.M.
Ever since National Jeweler reported Fortunoff had filed unemployment notices with the State Department of Labor two weeks ago acknowledging the White Plans store was being closed, speculation was that Fortunoff White Plains would close. Today, a lone billboard man carrying a Going Out of Business sign was confirming that indeed the Fortunoff era, lasting just 5-1/2 years. Plans for the space as yet are not known at this time. Photo by the WPCNR Roving Photographer
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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. From City Hall. February 27, 2009: The Common Council swings into action Monday evening. The highlight of the meeting will be an ordinance reducing Coucilman Glen Hockley’s salary by 10%, the legality of which in view of the city charter prohibition that salaries may not be changed once a fiscal year has begun, is one for legal scholars to debate. Passing of such ordinance may create an intriguing precedent for councils in the future. Requests for such a justification from City Hall in view of the Charter provision, have so far not been responded to.
Councilman Glen Hockley at the podium. Monday Night the Council votes on an ordinance to lower Mr. Hockley’s salary on his request. However he is the only Councilperson to request a salary cut in light of the city’s reported $11 Million revenue lag. File Photo, WPCNR News Archive
Also on the agenda are extension of a site plan for the Kensington assisted living project adjacent to the Lexington Avenue Garage for 60 days. Another item of interest is a resolution raising building department and planning department fees for reviews of builder requests. The rest of the agenda follows:
COMMON COUNCIL
AGENDA
REGULAR STATED MEETING
MARCH 2, 2009
7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Hon. Glen Hockley
INVOCATION: Rev. Urla Eversley
White Plains Presbyterian Church
ROLL CALL: City Clerk
EMPLOYEE OF Richard Kasten
OF THE MONTH: Help Desk Coordinator
Information Services
RECOGNITION: Government Finance Officers Association
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Communication from the Council President in relation to the re-appointments of Robert Rosten, Andrew Berger and J. Roger Carlson to the Conservation Board.
PUBLIC HEARING:
2. Public Hearing on a request submitted by White Plains Kensington, LLC, for a sixty day extension of the due diligence period for the closing date on an amendment to the Contract of Sale of Land for Private Redevelopment between the City, the White Plains Urban Renewal Agency and Kensington to no later than March 31, 2009.
3. Communication from Executive Director, Urban Renewal Agency
FIRST READING
ORDINANCES:
4. Communication from Chairman, Capital Projects Board, in relation to Capital Project No. C5320 White Plains Public Library Exterior Windows.
5. Communication from Environmental Officer
6. Environmental Findings Resolution
7. Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains to amend the Capital Projects Fund by establishing Capital Project No. C5320 entitled, Library Exterior Windows.
8. Bond Ordinance authorizing the issuance of $600,000 bonds of the City of White Plains, Westchester County, New York, to pay part of the $603,000 estimated maximum cost of the replacement and rehabilitation of the windows of the White Plains Public Library, in and for said City.
9. Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request submitted on behalf of Little Mt. Zion Holy Church, for a revokable license agreement with the City to construct a plaza that will encroach upon the public right-of-way adjacent to 230 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
10. Communications from Design Review Board
11. Commissioner of Planning
12. Planning Board
13. Commissioner of Public Safety
14. Commissioner of Public Works
15. Commissioner of Traffic
16. Traffic Commission
17. Commissioner of Parking
18. Environmental Officer
19. Environmental Findings Resolution
20. Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works to enter into a revocable license agreement with Little Mt. Zion Holy Church to permit encroachment upon City rights-of-way in connection with improvements to the existing Church building at 230 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.
21. Communication from Commissioner of Public Safety in relation to an amendment to Chapter 4-15 of the White Plains Municipal Code to extend the $1.00 per trip temporary fuel surcharge for taxis.
22. Ordinance amending Article IV of Sections 4-15-71 of Chapter 4-15 of the White Plains Municipal Code, Taxicabs, with respect to temporary fuel surcharge.
23. Communication from Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to the establishment of a Fee Schedule for various programs and camps for Fiscal Year 2009 – 2010.
24. Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains establishing a Fee Schedule for various programs and camps organized and operated by the Youth Bureau for Fiscal Year 2009 – 2010.
25. Communication from Commissioner of Finance transmitting a request from Councilman Hockley for a ten percent (10%) waiver of salary.
26. Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains granting the request made by Hon. Glen Hockley for a ten percent (10%) waiver of his salary of $36,471 as a Council Member to take effect for the City’s payroll period ending February 6, 2009.
27. Communication from Personnel Officer in relation to an amendment to the Municipal Code and the 2008 – 2009 Table of Organization by adding and abolishing certain positions.
28. Ordinance amending the 2008 – 2009 Table of Organization by adding and abolishing certain positions.
29. Communication from Chairman, Traffic Commission, in relation to proposed amendments to the Traffic Ordinance at various locations around the City.
30. Ordinance amending the Traffic Ordinance of the City of White Plains in relation to “U” Turns.
RESOLUTIONS:
31. Communication from Corporation Counsel in relation to the scheduling of a public hearing for April 6, 2009 on an application submitted on behalf of Prophecy for a one (1) year renewal of a Special Permit for Cabaret Use at 15 South Broadway.
32. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains scheduling a public hearing for April 6, 2009 in relation to the application submitted on behalf of Prophecy for a one (1) year renewal of a Special Permit to operate a cabaret at 15 South Broadway.
33. Communication from Corporation Counsel in relation to the scheduling of a public hearing for April 6, 2009 on an application submitted on behalf of the MAK Restaurant Corp., d/b/a Elements, for a one (1) year Special Permit for Cabaret Use at 161 Mamaroneck Avenue.
34. Communication from Commissioner of Building
35. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains scheduling a public hearing for April 6, 2009 in relation to the application submitted on behalf of the MAK Restaurant Corp. for a one (1) year Special Permit to operate a cabaret at Elements located at 161 Mamaroneck Avenue.
36. Communication from Corporation Counsel in relation to the scheduling of a public hearing for April 6, 2009 on an application submitted by Tri-Kelly Inc., d/b/a Kelly’s Pub & Grill and The Thirsty Turtle, for a three (3) year renewal of a Special Permit for Cabaret Use at 199-201 East Post Road.
37. Communication from Commissioner of Building
38. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains scheduling a public hearing for April 6, 2009 in relation to the application submitted by Tri-Kelly Inc., d/b/a Kelly’s Pub & Grill and The Thirsty Turtle for a three (3) year renewal of a Special Permit to allow the operation of a Cabaret Use at 199-201 East Post Road.
39. Communication from Corporation Counsel in relation to a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of the City of White Plains at Section 11.5 with respect to fees charged for applications made in pursuant to Sections 6, 7, 9.5, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, and 10.3.7 of the Ordinance.
40. Communications from Planning Board
41. City Clerk
42. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains scheduling a public hearing for April 6, 2009 in relation to an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance with respect to establishing new and increasing existing fees charged for applications made pursuant, inter alia, to Sections 6, 7, 9.5, 10.3.5, 10.3.6 and 10.3.7 of the Zoning Ordinance.
43. Communication from Commissioner of Planning in relation to the scheduling of a public hearing for April 6, 2009 on the 2009 Section 8 Housing Assistance Program Annual Plan.
44. Resolution scheduling a public hearing on the 2009 Section 8 Housing Assistance Program Annual Plan.
45. Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request submitted on behalf of The Metropolitan at White Plains, LLC., for a one year extension of a previously approved site plan of a residential development at the property located at the corner of Maple and DeKalb Avenues.
46. Communications from Design Review Board
47. Commissioner of Planning
48. Planning Board
49. Commissioner of Public Safety
50. Commissioner of Public Works
51. Commissioner of Traffic
52. Traffic Commission
53. Commissioner of Parking
54. Westchester County Planning Board
55. Environmental Officer
56. Environmental Findings Resolution
57. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains extending for an additional one (1) year the Special Permit/Site Plan Approval originally granted on February 6, 2006 to BNE Investors, LLC (“Applicant”), and extended for one (1) year by resolutions adopted March 3, 2007 and June 2, 2008, to construct a new multi-family condominium residence (89 units) to be located at the corner of Maple and DeKalb Avenues, to be known as the “Metropolitan” (A) to increase the height of the proposed development from six (6) stories/90 feet to twelve (12) stories/125 feet for the RM-0.35 Zoning District under Footnote (N) of Section 5.3 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of White Plains (Schedule of Dimensional Regulations: Residential) and (B) the proposed exchange of approximately 6,108 square feet of City-owned land adjacent to the northern property line of the project site on Maple Avenue for an approximately 3,990 square foot parcel of land adjacent to the southerly property line of the project site, on which the Applicant, at its own cost and expense, will construct and thereafter secure a publicly usable neighborhood open space and ( C) compensation to the City for the difference in value of the City-owned land to be conveyed and the value of the land to be donated to the City in exchange, such value to be adjusted for any easements and restrictions appertaining to the parcels.
REFERRAL:
58. Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request submitted on behalf of Cameo House, 300 Martine Avenue, for an amendment to a Special Permit/Site Plan for proposed alterations to the ground floor entrance courtyard
59. Communication from the City Clerk in relation to a petition submitted on behalf of of BMS Management Corp., to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow the parking of commercial vehicles at motor vehicle service stations and/or repair shops in the BR-1 Districts.
60. Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request submitted by Goldfarb Properties on behalf of White Plains One Company, LLC, for a site plan amendment for exterior courtyard renovations at The Churchill Apartments, 345 Main Street.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION:
61. Communication from Commissioner of Finance transmitting the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2008.
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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. February 26, 2009: Judge Robert Drain of the Southern District of New York Bankruptcy Court approved a bid by seven liquidation companies to begin the immediate liquidation of Fortunoff Holdings Ltd., at Fortunoff stores in
The ruling says the going out of business sales would affect all Fortunoff stores, that would presumably include the
Sources familiar with the Fortunoff operations in White Plains have told WPCNR the White Plains location did not live up to revenue expectations. The City of White Plains had projected Fortunoff’s to do $100,000,000 in sales the first year (2003), but the new location only brought in $67,000,000., approximately $1.3 Million in sales taxes at the former 2% sales tax rate. More recent figures were not disclosed.
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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. February 25, 2009 UPDATED 4:16 P.M. E.S.T. UPDATED February 26, 2009 11:35 A.M. EST : The Board of Education unveiled its “Austerity Budget,” Wednesday evening to mixed reactions at the high school. The public as a whole did not demand more cuts in the Preliminary School Budget set at $185.9 Million, (the lowest year-to-year increase in thirteen years), but mainly asked questions that demonstrated a lack of familiarity with district expenses. Main concern focused on cutting teachers and teacher aids.
The Superintendent of Schools said that if the School Budget were voted down, the district could choose to offer another vote, or lower the budget at the Board’s discretion but were prevented from putting out a budget higher than any budget the district votes down. It was pointed out that the current expense budget is .81% higher than the budget last year. And, the Contingency Budget believed to be allowed this year would enable a 4% year-to-year increase.
Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors background with microphone and Assistant Superintendent for Business, Fred Seiler, foreground fielding questions from about 150 persons last night at the second Community Budget Forum.
The Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors would not report the number of teacher, administrator, custodial and secretarial cuts in personnel until he said he shared the specific cuts with the schools. A teachers union representative, Joan Traber said the district had not shared the exact number of cuts of teachers and assistants with the Teachers Union going into the second round of state-mediated negotiations today. The Superintendent said a possible settlement was planned for in the new budget, and it would not have to be increased with any settlement.
In response to an angry tax payer surprised by the stealth cut in STAR Exemptions last spring that cost White Plains taxpayers unanticipated taxes , the Superintendent said as soon as the district received word from New York State as to cuts in the STAR BASIC and ENHANCED Exemptions (that lower home assessed values reducing property taxes) he would share that with the public.
Fred Seiler, the Assistant Superintendent for Business said the school district anticipated a $2.5 Million cut in education aid. He also made a point that a 1% expense increase did not translate into a 1% tax increase, which Seiler admitted would drive the tax rate up. Seiler said the district anticipated lower assessed Value. His point was that though the district had only raised their budget less than 1%, that taxes would still be going up due to declining school aid, declining revenues from assessments.
He also said that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority proposal to tax school districts, if enacted, would cost the White Plains district an additional $325,000 plus added to the budget. That, WPCNR computes, would move the year-to-year budget increase up to .9% from the .81%
The Superintendent noted the school district is seeing an increase in enrollment at the kindergarten and the high school levels from private schools as the economy deteriorates. He also stated that the Emerging Scholars Program, originally given to WPCNR on a list of summer programs to be eliminated two weeks ago, was not going to be eliminated.
The budget presently is $1.5 Million higher (0.8% higher) than the 08-09 budget. This is the lowest school budget year-to-year increase since 1995 when the budget was $87.8 Million and increased only 1.94% .
For a more complex analysis of the Preliminary Budget published earlier this week follows.
In the thirteen years since, the school budget has more than doubled to the suggest $185.9 Million made public Monday evening, a .81% increase, increasing the tax rate an estimated $11 per $1,000 of assessed value by WPCNR estimates before the district considers its 09-10 revenues, giving a tax increase of approximately $150 for the $500,000 to $700,000 home, and substantially more over $200 and up for homes valued higher than $700,000.
The $4.3 Million in cuts the school district made from the $190.3 Million submitted are mainly layoffs, attrition and retirements amounting to about 30 persons based on an estimate of $100,000 in salary and benefits for each person whether they be teacher, secretary, custodian or teaching aid.
The Superintendent of Schools has declined to reveal the number of persons who will lose jobs, will be retiring, or whatever, if these are real people or not. For years the district has been told you can’t cut teachers without reducing teacher-student rations and thus increasing class size.
Well this year, the district said Monday, they can. It raises the question of why more personnel cannot be cut, why suddenly after years of increases of 6 and 7% the district can suddenly lop off their essential overhead.
WPCNR’s Math Lab says it all depends on where the city assessment roll ends up after the record number of assessment challenges. Depending on how the City Board of Assessment Review rules on the current assessment roll, stopped for the moment at 288.4 Million, $3.3 Million less than last year’s $291.7 Million roll. Because the Preliminary Budget announced Monday night is $1.5 Million higher, it amplifies the assessment decline by another million and change that has to be made up by the tax rate.
No handle on Revenues
The school district significantly has not estimated “revenues” yet. All they have done is look at expenses. The Assessment Roll at $288.4 Million means they are down in tax base (last year, $291.4 Million) creating a $1.6 Million revenue shortfall. They have chosen to add $1.5 Million to the budget, so they need to “find”$3.1 Million in revenue, and this is before they get the word on what state education aid will be cut.
Going into tonight’s meeting, WPCNR estimates that if state aid remains the same as last year, which is doubtful, the district has to make up a minimum of $3.3 Million in revenue from the taxpayers, just based on the documented assessment roll decline, prior to the assessment roll being set in stone March 2.
For the School District to make up the $3.3 Million just from the drop in the Assessment, plus the $1.5 Million more in spending programs the tax rate needs to increase to $513 and change per $1,000 of assessed valuation from the current rate of $503 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
This will mean for the average house assessed at $15,145 of assessed value (about a $650,000-$700,000 home) an automatic tax increase of $166 ($7,784 compared to $7618 this year) . If your assessment is $20,000 you’re going up $220. ($10,280 compared to $10,060)
PROPOSED STEALTH STAR BASIC AND ENHANCED CUTS INCREASE TAX IMPACT DISCREETLY
If, however the STAR BASIC and ENHANCED EXEMPTIONS are reduced 18% as planned by Governor David Paterson, your assessed value will go up – even though your assessment remains the same.
As WPCNR pointed out exclusively in 2008 when the legislature secretly lowered the BASIC and ENHANCED Stars to pay for increased state education aid restoration, the Governor’s office is planning this again in 2009-10. According to Assemblyman Adam Bradley, the Assembly is fighting this proposal, so at least the Assembly and presumably the State Senate know about it. They professed not to know of the 10% cut in the Basics and Enchanceds last year.
This year on the $650,000 to $700,000 home, should the STARs be cut 18%, this will mean your assessment goes up automatically $731 – (I know this is complicated but bare with the CitizeNetReporter here) – lowering the amount you can deduct from your assessment and therefore increasing your property tax.
Here’s how it works for the $650,000 to $700,000 home if you’re under 65, when this year you enjoyed, as did all homes in
If the Governor has his way, your exemption will be cut to $2,731. Deduct this from your $18,475 Assessed Value and your assessed value is not $15,145 as it is this year, but $15,744.
State Taxes an Additional $599 in Assessed Value.
The Bottom line WPCNR Math Lab School Tax Calculator (pending other revenue cuts or revenue additions) then places your increased school tax at $8,092, ($514 per $1,000 of assessed value times 15.744), this means, pending revenue projections by the school district your school tax for the $700,000 home will go from $7,618 to $8,092, a tax increase of $474.
If your assessment is $20,000 of assessed value it increases to $20,600 increasing your school tax to $10,588 from $10,280 – that is an extra $308 in tax – if the 18% goes through.
For Seniors STAR ENHANCED CUT adds $588 to their 09-10 Tax In addition
The impact on seniors of an 18% STAR ENHANCED CUT is brutal.
This year the Senior Enhanced exemptions for homeowners over 65 was $6,500. If the Governor’s program to lower the exemption floor 18% is adopted, the senior Enhanced STAR Exemption declines $1,170 to $5,330 they may deduct from your assessed value.
In our mythical $650,000 to $700,000 home, with an assessment of $18,475, the senior has $5,330 he or she can deduct giving them an assessed value of $13,145. They pay a new school tax of $6,756 (13.1 times the new tax rate of $514) instead of $6,168.
The 18% reduction in the Enhanced STAR delivers to seniors over 65 an automatic increase of $588 on top of the $6,152 they pay at the straight predicted $514 per thousand rate.
So the district residents attending tonight have to cross their fingers that the state education aid will not change (in this case, go lower).
Bottom line, going into the state budget deliberations for 09-10, you have to hope that STAR EXEMPTION cut gets stricken or eased somewhat, otherwise the impact will deliver a more taxing blow.
The Tax Impact Overall.
Updating the WPCNR tax outlook published last week: here is how the tax increases for each taxable authority impact the $650,000 to $700,000 homeowner in
SCHOOL TAX: $7,784
CITY TAX (WITH $167M BUDGET: $4,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED 2009-10 TAX BILL ($700,000 HOME): $14,284
TOTAL 2009-2009 TAX BILL: $12,600
YOUR YEAR TO YEAR TAX INCREASE: $1,684*
This could be reduced if the city or the school districted reduced their budgets from the School District $185.9 Million, and if the city cut their present budget from $161.7 Million, and did not roll it over to $167 Million to cover projected deficits and sales tax shortfalls. There is still time for frugal financial management by the city and the school district to lower their budget.
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WPCNR
Newsday reports quoted Bruce Pucciarello, of Novell Enterprises, Inc., in an interview with Newsday reporter Keiko Morris that he and other jewelers agreed to discount merchandise (to Fortunoff) and payment 60 days after receipt. He anticipates a $250,000 loss. Mr. Pucciarello voiced the opinion that other jewelry vendors, not as stable as his firm which he said had the assets to withstand the loss, may not.
According to Newsday, reporting on an auction to take bids from liquidators to handle the Fortunoff assets, onlyu one bid from two firms for the assets of the Fortunoff chain of stores, which include the
Fortunoff filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on February 5, and Newsday reports them “seeking a buyer to purchase the company and possibly continue operating the chain.” Newday also reports in a story by Keiko Morris today that “no potential new owners and surfaced and the company laid off about 300 workers in its corporate offices.”
Fortunoff filed notice of imminent layoffs with