Res. No. 1184

Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to introduce and pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would extend the State’s property tax levy cap to New York City.

By Council Member Holden

                     Whereas, The State Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, legislation in 2011 limiting real property tax levies by local governments and school boards by capping annual tax levy increases by the lesser of two percent or inflation; and

                     Whereas, Such property tax levy cap was extended by the State in 2015 and was made permanent in 2019; and

Whereas, Such property tax cap levy specifically excluded New York City and the counties contained therein; and

Whereas, Governor Cuomo has credited the property tax levy cap with having “succeeded in taming out-of-control property tax increases” and protecting property taxpayers from “the crushing burden of skyrocketing tax increases,” saving property taxpayers approximately $24.4 billion between Fiscal Year 2012 and Fiscal Year 2019; and

                     Whereas, In New York City the property tax levy has expanded from $19.3 billion in Fiscal 2012 to $29.6 billion in Fiscal 2019, representing a 6.3 percent annual rate of growth;

Whereas, According to the New York City Comptroller’s Affordability Index, many New Yorkers are burdened by sharp cost of living increases, leaving a declining share of income after taxes and basic expenses remaining for their other expenses; and

Whereas, New York City property tax levy increases burden not only property owners, but also renters, onto whom tax increases are often passed in the form of rent increases; now, therefore be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to introduce and pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would extend the State’s property tax levy cap to New York City.

NAB

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7/12/19 11:21am