Nov. 30—CANTON — After a public listening to attended by about 15 residents, the city board unanimously adopted a neighborhood regulation that opts Canton out of a state regulation that exempts renewable initiatives. power from taxes.
Part 487 of New York’s Actual Property Legislation offers a 15-year actual property tax exemption for properties with renewable power programs, together with photo voltaic electrical programs.
The exemption solely applies to the worth that the photo voltaic system provides to the property, not the whole worth of the property.
When Part 487 was enacted, the city opted out as a result of it noticed the taxation of photo voltaic enhancements, particularly photo voltaic panels added to houses and companies, as a barrier to progress, mentioned lawyer William M. Buchan, who advises the city on photo voltaic power. issues.
The exemption helps the Solarize Canton mission that encourages residential photo voltaic installations, mentioned Metropolis Councilman Robert J. Washo.
That program, which resulted in 90 photo voltaic installations, has slowed significantly, Mr. Washo mentioned. By opting out of the tax exemption, Mr. Buchan mentioned the city has extra leverage because it negotiates its Host Neighborhood Profit agreements with photo voltaic builders.
Canton resident Kasey Maroney mentioned the city must be cautious as a result of the state will get concerned.
“The state will assess the land and screw you,” mentioned Ms. Maroney.
Many of the feedback got here from residents within the type of questions concerning the exemption but in addition concerning the proposed 240-megawatt Wealthy Street photo voltaic mission.
If town opts out of the tax exemption, EDF Renewables, the mission’s developer, will likely be topic to the total tax, Mr. Buchan mentioned.
“It is one other instrument in our toolbox,” mentioned Mr. Washo.
James Rose, a Meade Street resident who spoke out towards a growth on his road, mentioned the deck is presently stacked towards locals.
“I’ve a $9 million photo voltaic set up going into our yard and our land will likely be depreciated and they’ll get tax breaks,” mentioned Mr. Rose.
Mr. Buchan mentioned on the final assembly concerning the regulation that the city nonetheless has choices.
Tax-exempt services below present regulation are topic to PILOT, or fee in lieu of tax agreements.
“Transferring ahead there’s nonetheless the provision of a PILOT via the approval of the city and the (St. Lawrence County Industrial Improvement Company) and the varsity district, however this isn’t the one means the city can transfer ahead on renewables. . power services,” mentioned Mr. Buchan.
After about an hour of dialog, the board voted unanimously to undertake the native regulation to choose out of the tax exemption regulation.
