Town Board Notes
Town Board Notes
Tremendous volume of real estate sales has driven down 2022 equalization rate
Property owners in the Town of Ellicottville will see their properties assessed at 84% of full market value, according to Assessor Harry Weissman.
"I can't keep our level of assessment at or close to 100% of full market value this year … there are too many sales," he reported to the Ellicottville Town Board during their April 20th meeting, leading up to the May 1st deadline for the tentative 2022 assessment roll and a May 24th Grievance Day at Town Hall.
Weissman said last year's equalization rate was at 97%, but "the real estate market has exploded," with increased construction, an increased desire for vacation and primary residences here plus investment in residential rental properties and vacant land. Ellicottville's large number of condos and townhomes also creates challenges for valuation. He said the Town needs to do a re-val project for the 2023 roll and he will investigate affordable consultant options in the next few months to assist with the project.
By 2025 the Town may be in position for a partnership with the County of Real Property Services, he told the Board members. That agency has taken over assessment functions in 14 other towns and has the technology and staff to do a revaluation.
"No matter what happens to the values, the same number of (tax revenue) dollars have to be raised," he said.
The Board accepted Weissman's appraisal but took no action. Town Supervisor Matt McAndrew invited him to meet on May 25th, along with Councilman Steve Crowley, to review a February market value appraisal by KLW Appraisal Group for the west wing of the Town Center on Parkside Drive, now occupied by the Cattaraugus office of the Cornell Cooperative Extension. The appraisal was to serve as the basis of the Town's future lease agreement with the Extension.
Engineering Director Ben Slotman said 10 contractors were in attendance for Town Center Renovation Projects’ Pre-Construction Meeting. He said the building will remain open for business and accessible to the public through the main entrance as construction proceeds, with no disruption of the court system schedule.
Slotman also reported that the Capitol Water Project remains on hold. Last month, unexpectedly high bids had increased project costs over the $5.2 million budget and other portions of the project did not receive bids. Changes to the scope of the project could potentially affect the funding received by the Town. The Board held a special meeting on the topic April 14th, with Slotman and Town Accountant Andy Toth in attendance.
The Board received J.D. Northrup Construction's offer to hold its bid price on the distribution contract and water storage tank improvements of the project beyond a 45-day limit, until May 6th or beyond. A bid on a separate portion of the project has been rejected.
Councilman John Zerfas presented a map of the township showing six remote areas that will not receive high-speed internet from Spectrum or Armstrong, two companies now woking on connections in the town. Zerfas said he has requested these areas be placed at the top of a list of new service areas for connection in the next round of state funding.
In other matters, three new employees have been hired to fill openings: Gregory Keyser as Planner, James Davis of Ashford as Dog Control Officer, and Highway Superintendent Kevin Woodin of Ellicottville, who is already a Highway crew member. In a unanimous vote, the Board authorized sending Woodin to a training session.
The Board also agreed to a $1,400 increase in the approved $12,763.50 price of a 2021 Highway F-350 4X4 truck from Emerling, to upgrade an 8-foot plow to 10 feet.
Also approved were the release of one easement and acceptance of a surface access easement to cross the property at the proposed Tiny Homes Village project. Easements at Quackenbush were also approved, subject to attorney approval.
Finally, McAndrew announced a new beer, EVGV Trail Ale, will be unveiled by Steelbound Brewery and Distillery at a May 7th fundraiser benefitting the construction of the Ellicottville-Great Valley Trail. The event will run from 2:00-6:00pm at the brewery at 6600 Route 219 N.
The Ellicottville Town Board will hold their next regularly monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 18th at 6:00pm. For more information contact Town Clerk Robyn George at 716-699-2240.