One of the more contentious issues that plague residents of Sullivan County is property taxes. Property taxes in Sullivan County for residences are, in my opinion, out of control.

Recently, I reviewed a county document, “Estimate of Town Tax Based on Taxable Value of $100,000.” This document focuses on the town rate for your property taxes. Taking out the Town of Thompson ([because of] casino tax revenue), the Town of Highland has the lowest tax rate per $1,000 in the entire county, with a rate of $4.91. 

Towns that border Highland have rates of $10.31, $11.28 and $7.57. 

In many cases, Highland’s are 50 percent lower than other towns. This means a home in Highland worth $100,000 pays $491 per year, while adjacent towns pay $1,031; $1,128; and $757.

These are significant amounts. (And as we all know, homes worth $100,000 no longer exist in Sullivan County.)

This is due to the leadership in the Town of Highland by Supervisor Jeff Haas and the town board. 

This is no easy task; it takes fiscal responsibility, advance planning and superior investment strategies. 

Keep my taxes low and vote for Jeff Haas for supervisor in the Town of Highland. 

John Lang

Yulan, NY