A large crowd gathered at a public hearing on the proposed 2018 West Seneca Town Budget.
Residents believe their property taxes will be going up 12 percent. Town Supervisor Sheila Meegan said there is a lot of misunderstanding because the 12 percent increase only affects two line items and not the total property tax bill.
The prospect of raising taxes causing a strong backlash from members of the West Seneca community.
This is the second time the town met with members of the community over the potential of raising the ad Valorem tax - a tax based on property assessment.
For some, the increase could cause serious financial trouble.
“I’m currently an unemployed veteran. I was convoy commander a few times in Iraq and Afghanistan and still can't find a job,” said one resident.
With the increase only affecting the ad Valorem tax, the town says a home with an assessed value of 60,000 would see an annual increase of $135.53 in taxes.
That money would go towards fixing roads and paying off existing debt, among other things.
Regardless of what it could be used for - those attending Monday’s meeting want to see that money found in other places, not their pockets.
The next step for the town of West Seneca, following Monday’s meeting, is they have to make sure the budget is ready for November 20th when it has to be submitted to Erie County.
