Archive for February 24th, 2009

CHANGE IN DEADLINE FOR FILING FOR CHANGE OF TAXABLE STATUS

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Taxable status date moved to March 1.

(Erie County)—Erie County Legislators Edward Rath III- 15th District and Raymond W. Walter – 4th District reminded property owners today of the change in taxable status date for the 25 towns in Erie County to March 1. Previously, the taxable status date was May 1. The change was made to conform Erie County with every other county in New York State. Taxpayers filing for any real property tax exemption, such as STAR, enhanced STAR, veterans, disability, agricultural or business exemptions, must file or renew his or her exemption on or before March 1, 2009. “This is a change in New York State law and it is imperative that property owners are aware of this change,” stated Legislator Rath. “This change is especially important for people who are applying for an exemption for the first time, such as those applying for the new Cold War Veterans exemption, or those renewing an application, such as enhanced STAR,” commented Legislator Walter.

The change in New York State law will also effect the date that taxpayers can challenge assessments through the Town Board of Assessment Review. The old law set the grievance day as the first Tuesday in June. The new law sets the grievance date for the 25 towns of Erie County for the fourth Tuesday in May. For 2009, that date will be May 26, 2009.

If you need more information, you are encouraged to contact your Town Assessor’s Office.

Mondays Night’s Town Board Notes

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Notes of interest from the Monday February 24, 2009 Town Board meeting

Councilmen Guy Marlette and Mark Manna brought forth a suggestion to have a summit meeting of developers, the Amherst IDA and any party interested in the redevelopment of Amherst’s small businesses.

The idea of having a large e-mail icon on the Town website was suggested by Councilman Dan Ward months ago. Guy Marlette’s resolution followed the same idea. He proposed we have some sort of icon on the town web site for citizens to e-mail any type of government wrong doing they feel has occurred in Amherst. The resolution was approved.

A common sense resolution by Councilman Manna to spend federal economic stimulus money on American products and services was approved.

The audience was larger than usual but the meeting was very quite and well controlled.

Initiative Takes Aim At Obesity In Children

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

The American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation have teamed up to help kids get insurance coverage for medical care. Their goal is to curb rising rates of obesity among young people; eventually 6 million children will benefit.

“More than one-third of children in the United States are overweight or obese, raising fears that they could constitute the first generation in recent history to have shorter life spans than their parents. One of the biggest problems many families face in fighting obesity is getting insurance companies to pay for doctor visits and other care to help deal with the problem.”

“BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts have signed on to the initiative, along with two of the biggest insurers — Aetna and WellPoint — and organizers hope others will follow. Several companies, including PepsiCo, Owens Corning and Paychex have also joined, offering the benefit to children of their employees.”

read more…

Most Americans Back Obama on Stimulus, Mortgage Plans

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Large majorities support president’s $787 billion economic stimulus package and $75 billion plan for stemming mortgage foreclosures, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Obama’s bipartisan support, however, has eroded substantially in the past month, with just 37 percent of Republicans approving of how he has done his job.

Read more at washingtonpost.com

Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke Is Likely Commerce Pick, Sources Say

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Democrat Gary Locke would be the third nominee put forth by President Obama to head the Commerce Department after Gov. Bill Richardson and N.H. Senator Judd Gregg pulled out.

Read more at washingtonpost.com