Residents question property tax exemptions and housing allowance during Kingston public comment

Two residents used the Town of Kingston public-comment period to raise concerns about property tax exemptions and a housing allowance, saying they pay property taxes on their homes and asking for clarification of exemptions.

Commenter 1, a resident, asked about exemptions in halting English and Ukrainian phrases, saying, “А де tax examption doesenption doesen are profet are pro pare. Я вже й справді ад, можна, що є продемонструвати?” The speaker’s remarks mixed languages and repeatedly sought clarification about how the exemption works.

Commenter 2, a resident, said in English that they pay property tax to the Town of Kingston: “I do pay proupy tax to the Thaln of Kingston on my house.” The same speaker questioned whether amendments were being made to clean up the tax language and repeatedly said, “I object to. I object to,” while also referring to a “houseing alauance” and stating, “This houseing alauance is house. House.”

Both speakers’ remarks were made during public comment; the transcript does not record a response from council members or a formal motion, vote, or direction to staff. The comments focused on seeking clarification of local tax-exemption rules and how a housing allowance (as mentioned by a speaker) is being treated. The transcript also shows one speaker using a non-English language for portions of their remarks.

Because these were public comments, they do not represent council action or adoption of policy. The transcript does not show any motion, vote, or staff assignment tied to these remarks.