Assessor-Elect Levinson Warns of Additional Tax Shift

(Mineola, NY) Assessor-elect Harvey Levinson today warned that while nearly 211,000 homeowners will see a reduction or no increase in their portion of Nassau County's property tax, over 131,000 residents would see an additional increase in their share of the property tax when they receive their tax bills in January 2004. The anticipated shifts in individual tax burdens, according to Mr. Levinson, are a direct result of the court-ordered reassessment of all residential properties.

"Unfortunately for many hardworking taxpayers of Nassau County who are still reeling from the shock they experienced when they received their school tax bills in October, the County tax bills they receive in January may reflect an additional increase in individual tax obligations," stated Assessor-elect Levinson. "However, residents who do see an additional tax burden should be reminded that any increases they see were caused by the court-ordered reassessment project; not the county."

Assessor-elect Levinson explained that over a third of the homeowners within many of the school districts were forced to absorb the tremendous tax burden that was caused by the revaluation of all properties in Nassau County. While County Executive Thomas Suozzi's budget held the line on county spending, property owners should keep in mind that any increase in individual tax obligation on the county portion of the tax bill is a direct result of the shift caused by the reassessment project.

"When I assume office in January, I want to assure residents that I will do everything in my power to improve the County's Assessment system and will establish an ongoing dialogue with community groups, the media, and business community, so that we can avoid the "surprises" residents have experienced this tax season," Assessor Levinson concluded. "Significant changes must and can be communicated to our residents. Together, we can and will create an assessment system that is fair and equitable for all homeowners and business owners in Nassau County."