Tonawanda holds public hearing on law to allow exceeding New York tax cap; residents voice concerns

Mayor John White opened a public hearing on a proposed local law that would authorize the City of Tonawanda to exceed the New York State tax cap if unforeseen circumstances require it, saying the authorization would be a contingency tool the city could use only if necessary.

The measure would not itself raise taxes; it would give the city the option to exceed the state's statutory tax levy limit later in the budget process. "This is merely a tool in our pocket and in the pocket of the treasurer in case the financial situation dramatically changes," White said during the hearing, adding the administration's current intention is to continue efforts to stay under the tax cap.

City Treasurer Adam McNeil, who requested the measure, told the council the authority is intended to preserve the city's financial flexibility and reassure creditors that officials can respond to sudden fiscal shocks. McNeil described the request as a prudent contingency, not a guarantee taxes will be raised.

The hearing drew more than two dozen residents who raised questions about reassessments, the size of the city's reserve fund, recent property tax increases and the city's long-term revenue plan. Many speakers urged the council to reject giving itself the option to exceed the cap.

"I'm unemployed ... there's no jobs here," said Maureen, a resident who spoke during the hearing, questioning whether new development would produce…