Allows N.Y. city to provide tax and rent relief to senior citizens based on the metered use of water in a dwelling unit

BILL NUMBER:S3922

Title of bill

An act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to senior citizen water rate relief

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of the bill is to provide certain elderly individuals with financial relief based on their metered use of water.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would permit a city having a population of one million or more the option to take into account any fee or assessment paid to such city based on the metered use of water when computing an exemption under the Senior citizen Real Property Tax Exemption program or the senior citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program.

Effects of present law which this bill would alter

This bill would amend Sections 467, 467-b and 467-c of the Real Property Tax law to allow the City of New York to take into account water fees or assessments paid to the city when computing exemptions under Senior Real property Tax Exemption of the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE).

Justification

The impact of water rate increases over the last 15 years demonstrate the need for water rate relief for seniors of low and modest incomes. The fiscal year 2000 four percent rate increase hikes the average annual charges on water for a single family to $450. This compares with $140 in 1985. This bill would provide additional relief for senior households who are eligible for a real property tax exemption or SCRIE to offset ever increasing water rates.

Prior legislative history

2011-12 Session: S. 4173- referred to Aging 2013-14 Session: S. 4780 - referred to Aging

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

The first of January next succeeding the date upon which it will become law, with provisions.