The Facts: Not according to NYS law. Assessments are simply the value of properties at market rates. The fact is that in some years – 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 – total assessments dropped. Assessments do not change the total tax levy – only how they are allocated. Maybe there is a course Ozzy can take on this at Dutchess Community College.

Fishkill Supervisor Bob LaColla aggressively protects taxpayers. The town’s recent credit upgrade from Moody’s, delivering services efficiently and increasing the rainy day fund protect taxpayers from unexpected and unnecessary increases. It’s why Fishkill has one of the lowest tax rates for similar towns in Dutchess read more. At every annual budget hearing, LaColla has shown nine typical town tax bills to show the assessed value, the tax rate and the actual dollars so residents understand the actual costs.