Ramapo Residents Face Property Tax Hike in 2024 as Town Approves $130.9 Million Budget

In a recent decision by the Ramapo Town Board, property owners in Ramapo can expect a noticeable increase in property taxes in 2024. The approved $130.9 million budget, which includes salary raises for elected and appointed officials, is set to impact residents across 12 villages and unincorporated areas within the town.

The town’s tax bills for 2024 will be determined based on the average assessed taxable value of properties, estimated at $50,000. Unlike some neighboring Rockland municipalities, Ramapo’s tax rates vary depending on whether a property is located in unincorporated town areas or one of its villages that receive various town services, including police, highway maintenance, and public works.

In other tax-related news for Rockland County, property owners can expect a 2% reduction in their county tax bills for 2024, thanks to a budget totaling $870 million. Additionally, Clarkstown residents will see a decrease in their average town property taxes, with the typical household paying $3,353 in taxes, representing a decrease of $8.84 from the previous year.

However, the situation differs in Ramapo, as property owners, after experiencing tax reductions in 2023, will now face an increase in property taxes for 2024. The 2024 budget for Ramapo reflects a $6 million spending increase, rising from $124.9 million in 2023 and $119.7 million in 2022.

Ramapo’s 2024 budget will raise $91.7 million in property taxes to support essential services and programs, such as the police department and government operations. Officials have noted that this increase adheres to the state-mandated cap of 4.4%, ensuring fiscal responsibility. Additionally, the budget will be supplemented by revenues from various fees and grants from state and federal governments.

Ramapo’s property taxes are distinct from other tax bills that residents may receive for schools, county services, water, sewer, and certain villages, depending on their location.

For a more detailed breakdown of the property tax changes anticipated in 2024:

– Unincorporated areas within Ramapo will experience a 2.3% increase, resulting in an average tax bill of $3,669.
– Suffern residents will see a 4.3% increase in their town tax bills, following a 14% decrease in 2023, with an average bill of $787. Suffern is a full-service village, offering a wide range of services to its residents.
– In the Village of Spring Valley, town taxes will increase by 3.6% in 2024, following a 10% decrease in 2023, resulting in an average town tax of $871. Spring Valley also functions as a full-service village.
– Full-service villages within Ramapo, including Airmont, Chestnut Ridge, Hillburn, Kaser, Montebello, New Hempstead, New Square, Pomona, Sloatsburg, and Wesley Hills, will experience a 4.5% increase in town taxes for 2024, following no increase in 2023. The average town tax for residents in these villages is $2,555.

Additionally, elected and appointed officials in Ramapo will receive a 3% pay increase:

– Supervisor’s salary will increase to $196,262, up from $185,000.
– Town board members will receive $58,527 with full-time benefits, up from $55,167. These board members had previously approved pay raises ranging from $17,000 to $20,000 in 2019.
– The two justices will each receive $87,021. The Town Board had eliminated one justice position earlier in 2023.
– The Superintendent of Highways will earn $189,901, up from $179,000.

Ramapo has been on a trajectory of financial recovery since 2015 when the previous administration left a $13.8 million deficit. The town successfully overcame this financial hurdle in 2020, with one significant contributing factor being the sale of the Suffern Quarry, initially obtained for $1, for $5 million, along with a commitment to frugal spending.

As property owners brace themselves for increased tax bills in 2024, Ramapo’s government continues to balance the needs of its residents with its financial responsibilities.

1 COMMENT

  1. When there’s uncontrolled spending, like it was monopoly $, Of course taxes go up! Building sidewalks was probably a few million $ this year. Ask most residents if they rather look where to spend or save on taxes~

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