October 12, 2005

Every year, Monroe County collects nearly $400 million in sales tax revenue. Last year, nearly $80 million was distributed to the towns of Monroe County. The problem is that the distribution formula utilized unfairly discriminates against Gates and Chili and other "inner ring" suburbs.

Here's how it works: One-half of the $80 million is distributed based on population. The other half is distributed based on assessed valuation of the homes in each town. Since Gates and Chili are mature towns, there is little opportunity for additional new home development. This means that the total assessed valuation is fairly flat – compared to Pittsford and Mendon, where new subdivisions of expensive homes are being built. This is important because those towns get a higher percentage of sales tax revenues than we do. The older, developed towns, with aging housing stock, are subsidizing the newer, growing towns!

Every resident of Monroe County pays the same sales tax on the items we purchase. Yet the amount we receive per person is not the same. As a result of this unfair formula, the residents of the towns with higher property values get more revenue per person. Gates residents receive $147.24, Chili $147.44, Pittsford $219.43 and Mendon $258.91.

If the distribution were based on population alone, Gates would have received an additional $600,000 and Chili an additional $570,000 in sales tax revenue last year alone. I'm sure both towns could have used that extra money!

If elected to the County Legislature, I will work to change this unfair method of distributing sales taxes. I know that change does not come easily, and that the towns losing revenue will oppose me in this effort. But with your support, and increased public awareness, I will do my best to see that fairness dictates where your tax dollars go!

Submitted by: Norma A. Polizzi
Candidate for County Legislature, 4th District, Democrat, Independence and Working Families Parties
Endorsed by Democratic, Independence and Working Families parties