KENMORE, N.Y. (WKBW) — Kenmore residents may be in for a big property tax increase.
"It is unfortunate to hear about a potential property tax hike," remarked Kenmore resident, Samatha DeMart. "People are really feeling the pinch of the penny."
You might say I was the 'bearer of bad news' in the Village of Kenmore, informing DeMart that village leaders are set to approve a 5.42% property tax hike at their Tuesday night board meeting.
"I would just hope that the town board would be judicious in their thought to levy an increase tax," DeMart replied. "Hopefully, we can trust what our government officials are doing for our village."
"While the percentages look scary, if you do the math, you realize what services you are getting for an extra couple of dollars a week and I think that's huge," commented Kenmore resident, Ann Morelli.
The latest census figures put the population of Kenmore at 15,000 people. 70% of residents own a home, and the median monthly mortgage payment is $1,425.
Village leaders say the increase is needed to pay for rising costs. The Kenmore Police headquarters building on Elmwood Avenue across from Mang Park is undergoing an $8 million renovation to modernize the facility and add a second story.
Another property owner whom I talked to, who did not want to go on camera, said he doesn't think the village taxes are that high.
"It wouldn't feel quite as much of a pinch for us, but I know that for some of our neighbors on fixed incomes, that can feel like a sting," replied DeMart.
The Kenmore homeowners tell me, that while it won't be a big financial burden for them, it could be tough for older residents.
"Our population in Kenmore is roughly around the age of 40, but we do have a significant senior population. So they do get nervous because they are on fixed incomes and I can appreciate that," Morelli noted.
But both residents say living in Kenmore is worth the great services they receive.
"Our plowing is incomparable to any other area. Our police response, and unfortunately, I've had to use it, is amazing, and honestly, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else," stated Morelli.
"The streets are plowed. The police will be here in under a minute if you need them. We live right around the corner volunteer fire department," described DeMart. "We love living in the Village of Kenmore."
The village board will hold a public hearing on the proposal at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday for a budget vote. The budget would take effect June 1.
A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Village of Kenmore leaders approved a 9.3% property tax increase.
