Up, Up, And Away: A Potential Tax Hike For Glen Cove Residents In 2007

Some housing prices may be inching their way down, here on Long Island, but with the New Year just around the corner, it looks like what some Nassau County residents can expect is an increase in taxes.

According to officials in Glen Cover, there is a proposed 27.8% hike that’s likely to take effect in 2007, to help relieve the city’s $6.6

While the hearing on the proposal is scheduled for October 24 and nothing is final yet, if approved that would translate into about a $330 tax increase on a home (in Glen Cove) assessed at $560,000.

Yet, according to city officials, even without a deficit, the tax hike would be necessary, especially since there was no tax hike in ’06, a fact that makes this year’s increase seem “worse” than it is. And officials suggest that in reality the increase should be greater due to the fact of last year’s “leniency”, and justify the proposal by noting that it’s merely a need for addressing the deficit, which officials in place say they had no part of crating.

And, they add, it may also be necessary for the city of Glen Cove to sell some of its assets such as buildings.

Residents can however look forward to a meeting before the scheduled hearing that will take place on October 19th and allow locals to ask questions and express concerns.

Plus the budget could, say officials, be revised prior to the official vote. And the city will consider consolidating departments and leaving some job spots vacant. But, they do note, that the city staff is already understaffed and leaving positions open will only make it worse, especially for residents who expect government workers to take care of what their tax dollars are paying for.