The WDT reports Jefferson County continues to pursue the goal of a standard PILOT agreement for wind projects. That would spare lawmakers the messy job of considering and passing judgment on individual proposals.
How about a different take. That's their role. The decision to tax rests with elected officials and the power to exempt some from taxes should take place in the same forum.
Also, coming up with a uniform PILOT assumes all situations are the same, including need. In fact, uniformity suggests everyone in that business gets exemptions. This is a long way from the notion of targeting inducements to situations where normal economic factors stymie a business plan.
Since these policies include exempting other taxes (sales and mortgage) that affect every community in the County, those stakeholders need to be heard from.
Often there is a move in government to off-load tough decisions away from political leadership to unelected entities. However, it is in the crucible of political discourse that public policy issues need to be debated. That is the essence of a representitive republic.
Watertown Daily Times | Board weighs PILOT options
4 comments:
As you heard today," PILOTS are un-American. but necessary in tax-heavy NY."
The problem with BFW (big foreign wind) is not so much the system of the PILOT, it is the kind of business that is asking for the PILOT. The money is going to foreign investors, it creates too extensive an impact on a huge area and citizens, does not create enough permanent jobs and will drive the price of electricity sky high.
And, the wind Companies are not to be trusted. They did not pay Lewis County what they were supposed to and they are suing to recover money they already paid.
I could see the PILOTS failing if the EDZ zones are done away with. That being said would the county seize them for non-payment of a PILOT???? Would the IBEW union offer to operate them??
Supervisor Hersey is correct. We are the highest taxed state in the nation. (Don't forget you and your city are part of that)
We need people to invest and create jobs. While you are questioning the neccesity of incentives to attract investment, Bankers are questioning investment in New York without incentives.
Why invest here when you can make more elsewhere?
It may be sad, but it is the reality that is New York.
So pontificate all you like, if your attitude becomes the standard our economic woes will only grow.
But Supervisor Hershey is on the JCIDA board, they cater to big wind.
Post a Comment