Cheektowaga, N.Y. (WBEN) - Homeowners in Cheektowaga could be looking at a significant property tax increase under the budget being proposed by the Town Supervisor.
Supervisor Brian Nowak has proposed a 7.6% increase to the town tax levy, an expected increase of about $140 for the average homeowner that will bring an estimated $5 million to the Town.
"I don't want to kick the can down the road anymore," Nowak told WBEN. "Since 2020, our spending was up $10.5 million while our revenues were only up $2.4 million. There's a structural deficit that is growing."
Nowak had been vocal about the incoming tax increase for some time, hosting town hall meetings earlier this year where he told residents that drastic measures may need to be taken in order to avoid major budget cuts.
About 70% of the town budget is made up of wages, benefits, and pensions that are all increasing in cost, according to Nowak. Three of five public sector unions received raises of 3.25% this year.
"There's folks that are obviously concerned about the tax increase... there's recommendations to cut services, but everybody has a range of opinions on how to go about that," Nowak said. "My approach to this job has been to get out in front of folks, explain what we're dealing with, listen to them, take that feedback, and do the best I can to give folks what they want."
While nothing is final, budget hearings that are open to the public will happen on Oct. 9 and 10. Nowak expects that will result in some changes to the plan before it's finalized in November.
Related
