Buffalo residents concerned about proposed tax increase

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Buffalo residents are expressing concerns about the city’s proposed budget for the upcoming year, which includes a plan to override the state-mandated property tax levy limit.

The measure, which could result in an additional $11 per month for homeowners with properties valued at $150,000, aims to balance the city’s budget.

On Monday, dozens of residents gathered for the public hearing at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library to voice their concerns. With just one month remaining before the Common Council is required to finalize the budget, the vote on the tax levy override is quickly approaching.

“I don’t know how much more we can take,” said one resident during the hearing. “The services don't add up already, and we haven’t been given enough time to adjust to new assessment fees.”

A significant portion of the residents at the public hearing were concerned about the impact of the tax increase on legacy homeowners, particularly those in neighborhoods like Buffalo's East and West Sides. These areas have long struggled with undervalued property values, and many residents fear that rising property taxes could force them out of their homes.

“My daughter makes sixth generation in our family home. If our taxes continue to go up, I am going to be squeezed out,” said an East Side homeowner.

“These are legacy homeowners,” added another resident. “The folks on the East Side and West Side are stuck because they have been burdened by lower and undervalued property values for decades.”

Despite these concerns, city officials argue that overriding the property tax cap is necessary to ensure fiscal stability and maintain city services.

Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon defended the move, explaining that while the tax rate has remained close to 2% since 2013, Buffalo has lost out on approximately $363 million in potential revenue over the years.

“If we had raised the tax rate over the years, we wouldn’t be in the crisis we are in now,” Scanlon said. “Buffalo’s tax rates are significantly lower than those of other upstate cities and surrounding suburbs. We are two, three, or four times lower.”

The Common Council, which passed a similar override measure last year, is expected to approve the override again to fill budget gaps and ensure continued funding for essential city services.

One concerned resident asked city officials during the hearing: “When do you think we will reach a point where we stop having these increases?”

Scanlon responded by assuring residents that the tax cap would “decrease by 3-4% next year, and within three to four years, it would be back under the 2% cap.”

Another public hearing is scheduled for tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, where further discussion on the proposed budget and property tax levy override will take place.