Politics & Government

Orangetown Puts Elimination of Tax Receiver's Office to Voters

Incumbent Republican Robert Simon and challenger Chris Smith, a Democrat, will be on the ballot for Orangetown Receiver of Taxes Nov. 5.

The winner of that vote may be Orangetown's last elected tax receiver.

The Orangetown Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to pass Local Law No. 2 of 2013, which would amend the town code to abolish the office of Receiver of Taxes and consolidate its authority and responsibilities into the office of the Orangetown Town Clerk effective Jan. 1, 2018 and pending the a referendum that will be on the ballot Nov. 5.

"We are not saying we are passing a law abolishing it," Councilman Tom Diviny said. "We are giving the public the essential politcal power. They decide if this position stays or not. If we can show that it is projected to save money, I would vote for it. If it doesn't save money, I would not."

The goal of the consolidation would be to save the town money, though the specific amount the town expects to save is not yet available. During the public hearing on the subject, Pearl River resident Michael Mandel asked if a cost analysis has been done yet. Another Pearl River resident, Robert Tompkins, asked for the vote to be delayed and also wanted to know how much money would be saved. Orangetown Finance Director Jeff Bencik said he expects to have information about projected savings available to the public before the referendum.

"I agree with Mr. Mandel. Before the vote in November, we need to let the public know what potential cost savings the town will have by eliminating the position," said Diviny, who initially proposed the consolidation during the 2013 budget process. "Jeff has run numbers. We should put the number on the town website."

"If the town board cannot find a way to save money when it is consolidating, you have to question the town board," Councilman Tom Morr said.

All five members of the town council spoke in support of the consolidation, as did Simon and Smith. 

"I think it's a good idea," Councilman Paul Valentine said. "I think we should get the information out there and the public can make an informed choice."

Morr and Diviny both said it was important to bring this to a vote now even though the consolidation would not happen for four years because the makeup of the board could change before it would come up again. Councilmen Diviny and Denis Troy and Supervisor Andy Stewart are all running for re-election in November.

"We have a board with the resolve to do this," Diviny said. "I don't know if you have that resolve in two years. The political structure of the board could be changed. Once people get elected to office politics come into play. Right now, we are putting politics aside to do what is best for the town."

"The reason we need to do it now goes back to political," Morr said. "You are not always going to have the political will to eliminate an elected position. When Clarkstown did it, they knew their receiver of taxes was retiring. Here we have an incumbent who is fully dedicated to the job and he's buying into the consolidation."

Simon spoke during the public hearing, pointing out the importance of the office while recognizing the need for changes such as the consolidation due to the financial challenges Orangetown faces.

"The receiver office plays a crucial role in town government," Simon said. "It is here that the most personal contact takes place under the most trying of circumstances. It is demanding work that requires strict attention to detail to avoid inaccuracies, the utmost in diplomacy in dealing with the public that frequently vent their frustration. Handling these problems takes patience, understanding and tact.

"If by consolidation of services we can maximize efficiency and provide a savings to the taxpayers, then I fully support this measure and urge the voters to approve it in November," Simon said. "But whoever holds the office of receiver must continue to provide the type of service the residents of Orangetown have been accustomed to while staying within the strict guidelines of the New York State Real Property tax law."

Smith has called for the consolidation from the beginning of his campaign.

"I should note that it is nothing personal against Mr. Simon, the current office holder," Smith said. "Mr. Simon has been involved in a lot of community service organizations over the years, which he should be commended for. This rather has to do with smart public policy. It's about implementing change to save taxpayers money."

Orangetown Town Clerk Charlotte Madigan said she felt compelled to address the issue when the members of the council spoke.

"The town clerk's office is more than ready and more than able to accept this responsibility," Madigan said. "We have increased our responsibilities over the 17-18 years I've been here. One of the things mentioned is the importance of patience, understanding and tact. That's what the town clerk (exemplifies)."

Madigan said that 28 percent of the town clerks in New York State also serve as receiver of taxes. 

"The most important thing, as everyone said tonight, is that it will be a referendum item," Madigan said. "It will be on the ballot for the public to vote on."


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