AMHERST, N.Y. — After a year of frustration over a historic tax hike, Amherst residents are set to see a little bit back.
The town board announced its proposed 2025 budget, which includes a 1.32% property tax decrease. This comes just a year after a historic 11.4% increase that saw the average household’s property taxes raised by $300.
The town held a series of public hearings, the third of which was Monday, to get input from the community after some residents said they felt left in the dark during the process last year.
“It’s unfortunate what had to happen to get us here, but we got here,” one resident said. “This is the most transparent that I’ve ever seen. Congratulations.”
Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa said they were able to offer this decrease because of the major economic development they’ve seen across the town this past year, which brought in close to $500 million in net growth.
“That includes places like Roswell Park and UBMD Orthopedic Center. And they're cutting into the amount of tax that has to be raised on households,” Kulpa said.
That growth is now saving the average household come tax season just about $27.
But residents like Dennis Hoban and Andrea Morgante said while it’s a start, that is far from enough.
“I mean, that might buy me lunch,” Hoban said.
Morgante said she’s seen residents move out of Amherst because of the increase last year.
“We do have individuals who are part of our group, who are working three jobs and are having a hard time holding on to their house because of this increase,” she said.
The two said the board needs to be doing more to cut costs.
“The spending is out of control, and it's just higher and higher taxes to pay for it,” Hoban said.
They worry if something doesn't change, the effect of last year’s tax season could continue to be felt for years to come.
The town board will not vote on the budget, but instead it will go into place automatically on Nov. 20 unless any board member has an amendment they’d like to propose.
Amherst may see tax decrease on 2025 budget
The news comes a year after a historic 11.4% tax increase in the town.