As a Town of Victory council member and a voice for the entire town board I would like to offer the following response to taxpayer Roger Manning's published letter regarding Victory's latest revised assessments.

The Victory board members did agree to increase the town-wide assessments an average of 3.5 percent town wide. The board's action represents a confirmation of professional judgment and integrity displayed by Mr. Baldwin regarding the property assessments.

Victory entered into a coordinated assessment program (CAP) agreement with the Town of Ira in an effort to reduce additional burden on the taxpayers. Victory received $7 per parcel in state aid from the State of New York during the first year of inception. Victory continues to receive $5 per parcel in aid annually upon completion of the revaluation.

Mr. Manning expressed his concerns with the rising assessments and rising taxes. Mr. Manning failed to mention in his letter the Town of Victory tax rate decreased by 6.49 percent in 2008.

Mr. Manning states in his letter the board agreed to increase property values for the fifth year in a row. I would like to point out that Mr. Manning's assessment remained unchanged for the last four years. Mr. Manning's total tax payment was reduced by $48.26 from 2007 to 2008.

Mr. Manning's property assessment increased in the latest revaluation by a total of $900. The latest increase in assessment equates to Mr. Manning paying an additional $12.89 in total taxes in the coming year. The increase appears to be very reasonable for a five year period with the current economic conditions.

On grievance day, May 27th, less than three percent of the taxpayers turned out to grieve. It is apparent the majority of the town is in agreement with the revised assessments. Many may not be happy with the increase but likely feel it is fair and necessary.

Scott Bloss

Cato

Bloss is a Town of Victory councilman