Town of Tonawanda residents not worried about possible tax increase

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) — In the Town of Tonawanda – the proposed budget is increasing tax revenue by over $2.3 million. But residents tell us it’s a move they are okay with.

For the first time in the 14 years since the states 2% tax levy cap was put in place, the Town of Tonawanda may be overriding it, a move that town supervisor Joe Emminger says had to be done. He adds, “This budget was the most challenging budget by far.”

In his ninth year as Town Supervisor, Emminger tells WIVB News 4 that inflation is what’s behind the proposed tax increase.

“Rising prices caught up to us, and this year we will be going over the tax gap and we’re looking at a tax levy increase of 5.58%,” says Emminger.

With the tax levy going up, how big of a tax hike can residents expect next year?

“Residents right around that six, probably six, six and a half, seven percent, in that number,” continues Emminger. “Commercial properties will be around between a two, two and a half percent increase.”

Outside of tax dollars Emminger says they’ve raised revenues from different sources by 8%, along with not tapping into the towns reserve funds to balance the budget.

He adds that the added tax dollars will be going towards the community’s wealth of services, including park up-keep and trash collection.

“I could get rid of the paramedics. That’s over $2 million a year. That would drive the taxes down. I’m not getting rid of the paramedics,” says Emminger. “Sanitation, people move back into the town for sanitation pickup. That would lower taxes. I’m not going to do that. We’re proud of the taxes. We’re proud of the services that we provide.”

That sense of pride carries over to those that call the town home. Half a dozen residents Thursday say this tax increase is well worth it to keep the services they need.

“I really feel like those are the types of investments you need to make in your community,” says resident Arianna O’Connell. “Sanitation, things like that matter. It’s such a nice thing to be able to have the amenities that we do with trash pickup, street sweeping and impeccable plowing. It makes sense to make those investments because people, you know, really, truly benefit at the end of the day.”

Supervisor Emminger is providing more details on the proposed budget next Monday.

The town board is scheduled to vote on it Nov. 7th.

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Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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