Feedback: Gouverneur Residents Brace For Tax Increases

Residents and business owners in Gouverneur will be paying more to live in the St. Lawrence village now that lawmakers have approved a budget that includes a spending increase and a 21.4 percent hike in the tax levy.

“They’re pushing us away. They don’t want us to have a business here. That’s the way I feel,” said Antonios Doganis, owner of Carolina’s Greek and American Restaurant.

Although the tax rate has gone down, many property values have gone up - meaning Doganis and many other villagers may have to shell out more in taxes.

Under the budget, which was adopted Tuesday, the tax rate will be $12.30 per $1,000 of assessed value.

It was $15.54 per $1,000.

The village also raised water and sewer rates.

Village Mayor Dorothy Vorce said, “It’s very difficult to make ends meet. I sympathize greatly with the people.”

Some homeowners say the village’s decision will hurt their bottom line.

But others say they saw this coming since village costs are up for things like gas and health care costs.

“Can’t expect them not to when everything else is going up at such a drastic rate,” said homeowner Stacy Canell of the lawmakers’ decision about the budget.

The spending plan also includes salary raises for Vorce and the trustees.

The mayor’s paycheck will go from $2,690 to $7,500.

Trustees were paid around $1,500. They will now get $4,000.

This week, village officials will be meeting with town officials to talk about how they can share and combine services as a way to save taxpayers some money.

See Jeff Nelson’s report:

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.

Share your thoughts. Use the form below to send your comment to Diane Rutherford for the Your Turn segment on 7News. You must include your name, e-mail address and phone number for your comment to be considered. Your personal information will not be posted to the website - this form sends an e-mail. Your comment can be kept anonymous if you so request.