Village of Saugerties Mayor William Murphy says that deferred tax payments help village residents deal with the financial setbacks of the coronavirus epidemic. “It made paying taxes less intimidating for people,” he said. “Every year, Covid or not, people have struggled in tough years. I think we could keep the deferred payment as a permanent option; we can discuss it further during the budget season. If people could make six $200 payments instead of one $1200 payment, it would make a big difference.”
A report from village treasurer Paula Kerbert at the board meeting on January 4 described how the temporary program has worked. Because so many people have been out of work, or have otherwise been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic, the village allowed residents who could not afford to pay village taxes all at once to work out installment plans.
Kerbert reported that all the residents who had worked out installment plans had paid their taxes in full and made all payments on time. “We have $15,888 left to collect of 2020 taxes, which I’m working on,”
“That is absolutely amazing, Paula,” said Murphy.
“I’m still sending out notices for taxes that are in arrears, and I’m still getting a few payments here and there for back taxes,” Kerbert reported.
Trustee Vince Buono complimented Kerbert, saying, “I believe that the follow up, and the letters and your continual focus on this is making a big difference, and we really appreciate it, and keep it up.”
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