The Towns of Cobleskill and Middleburgh are among those offering extensions to residents who went without pay during the January federal shutdown.
By resolution in Cobleskill and by just a vote in Middleburgh, both have agreed to extend the interest-free deadline for property tax payments until April 26.
Cobleskill adopted a resolution from the Association of Towns that was written in response to legislation signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on February 1 authorizing local governments to take the action; the legislation also applies to school district installment payments in September since the second installment payment wouldn’t have become due until January 31.
The law also applies when a taxpayer’s spouse or domestic partner was furloughed or designated “non-pay” as a result of the shutdown.
Last Monday, with another shutdown—not averted—looming, Cobleskill Clerk Tina Ward estimated she has about five residents impacted by the furlough—though not all of them would necessarily take advantage of the extension.
Proof of being a furloughed employee or unpaid federal contract worker is required; instead of a pay stub, Ms. Ward said she’s asking for a letter from the taxpayer’s employer.
In Middleburgh, Clerk Brenda Lawyer told Supervisor Pete Coppolo and councilmen Thursday that she’s already collected most of her 2019 taxes.
Unsure how many people there were impacted by the shutdown, councilmen were split on passing the Governor’s resolution.
Instead, they voted to let Ms. Lawyer waive the late penalties if necessary on a case-by-case basis.
Thursday, the Governor also issued an executive order extending the tax payment due date in municipalities impacted by recent winter storms.
Among those on his list in Schoharie County: the Towns of Carlisle, Cobleskill, and Jefferson.