|
|
Board balks at MTA tax to state
|
The Brookhaven Town Board wants to "send a message to Albany," in the words of Councilman Tim Mazzei (R-Blue Point). If nothing were to change after Tuesday night's Board action in which it tabled a budget amendment, the town would be refusing to pay its taxes to New York State — and potentially find itself on the wrong side of the law.
The creation of a budget line to fund the recently approved MTA payroll tax, which Albany has imposed on the 12 counties in southern New York and Long Island, drew the wrath of Mazzei and support from the rest of the board.
Finance Commissioner Charlene Kagel explained to the council that the new tax became effective retroactively on March 1 and the first payment to the state is in late October.
"I want to vote no against that part of this bill," Mazzei said, expressing disdain for state lawmakers and Gov. David Paterson for passing the levy. It is intended to keep afloat the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the LIRR and the buses and subways in New York City, Nassau and Westchester.
"I see why no other board member wanted [to carry] this resolution," said Supervisor Mark Lesko, whose name was listed as the bill's sponsor. Lesko then asked Kagel, "This is a law, right?"
"Yes," Kagel replied, "we have to pay it." The commissioner confirmed Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld's (D-East Setauket) opinion that the board had time to consider its options. Apparently determined to take that time, the board voted unanimously to table the resolution until its next meeting on July 7.
According to Kagel, the new levy will cost Brookhaven's taxpayers about $217,000 in 2009.
| |
|
|
|
| |
Copyright 2010
(631) 751-7744 | news@tbrnewspapers.com | www.northshoreoflongisland.com | About |
|
| |
|
