Town of Potsdam Taxpayers Association (TOPTA)

2011-11-20T20:18:00.002-05:00

At the TOPTA meeting on November 16th, members attending agreed to follow the exploration of forming a new township by the Town of Norwood. President Tracy Haggett-Sloan will continue to attend their meetings. It was agreed that we will learn the process for becoming a member of the Board of Assessment Review (BAR). There may be openings this year for that important work. TOPTA meetings will not be scheduled for December, January or February unless there is a need but Board members will continue to attend Town of Potsdam meetings through the winter.

2011-11-15T22:43:00.001-05:00

The next meeting of the TOPTA Board of Directors will be on Wednesday, November 16th at 6:30 at the Norwood Municipal Building. All are welcome to attend!

TOPTA attends January Town of Potsdam Board Meeting

2010-01-14T12:30:00.004-05:00

The TOPTA board of directors agreed at the November meeting to send at least one member from the board to the Town of Potsdam's monthly board meetings. The Town's January meeting was held Tuesday, January 12. Treasurer Ned Meader attended the meeting on behalf of TOPTA and shared the following highlights:

1. End of year bills were approved and paid.

2. Data collector is being paid out of the contingency fund. Probationary period of Data Collector is up shortly and at the end of the period he will receive a $1,00 raise. The Assessor is very pleased with the Data Collector's work.

3. Supervisor Regan stated that housing sales were up by 18%. (Note: assuming she means in Town of Potsdam.)

4. A dissolution committee has been formed to decide the fate of the village of Potsdam. Councilman Mike Zagrabelny and Councilwoman Judith Rich are requesting a seat on the committee.

5. The board approved all resolutions, for example, office jobs, data collector, Capella's fee, sewer etc, etc.

6. Potsdam Specialty Paper no longer has to pay for the water that is not being used on the property purchased from Swan. It wasn't being used any way.

7. The Board agreed to give the Northern Corridor Transportation Group 5K. Fort Drum access is the beginning of State Route 98.

It's A New Year and TOPTA is here!

2010-01-14T12:28:00.002-05:00

TOPTA's Board of Directors will meet on Wedensday, January 20 at 6:30pm in the board room of the Norwood Municipal Building.

The meeting is open to the public and TOPTA members are encouraged to attend.

Candidates Forum for Potsdam Town Council

2009-10-19T10:42:00.003-04:00

TOPTA is sponsoring a candidates forum for Potsdam Town Council on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 6:30pm in the Village of Potsdam Community Room (located above the Potsdam Village police station).

All candidates for Town Board have been invited to this event. It is expected to last approximately ninety minutes. After candidate introductions, each candidate will have the opportunity to answer two questions which will be provided prior to the evening. The remainder of the evening will be devoted to questions from the audience. Every candidate will be given an opportunity to answer each question. Audience questions will be solicited in writing and screened for clarity and duplication. At the conclusion of the evening, each candidate will give his/her closing remarks.

This is a great opportunity to meet the candidates and learn more about the important issues affecting the Town of Potsdam.

TOPTA supports Tracey Haggett-Sloan for Potsdam Town Council

2009-10-14T21:01:00.004-04:00

At TOPTA's first annual meeting held Wednesday October 14, Board of Directors announced the unanimous support of Tracey Haggett-Sloan for Potsdam Town Council.

Town Councilmen Mike Zagrobelny and Town Supervisor Marie Regan have publicly stated that there is no problem with the current assessment process and that they have no control over the assessor. The only way to effect change in the assessment process is to change the Board one seat at a time.

Tracey Haggett-Sloan is the candidate for change. Visit Tracey's website http://www.tehaggett-sloan.com/ to learn more information about her candidacy.

Vote Tracey Haggett Sloan for Potsdam Town Council on November 3.

TOTPA Annual Meeting 10/14/09 at 6:30pm

2009-10-08T08:59:00.003-04:00

The first annual meeting of the Town of Potsdam Taxpayers Association is Wednesday October 14, 2009 at the Norwood Municipal Building. The meeting will begin promptly at 6:30pm.

All members are encouraged to attend. The meeting will include a presentation and vote on TOPTA's by-laws, a review of the past year, and what's to come for TOPTA over the next 6-12 months.

The upcoming elections for the Town of Potsdam will be discussed and candidate Tracey Haggett-Sloan will talk about her candidacy and her campaign platform.

TOPTA's success depends on involvement from its members--the Board of Directors look forward to seeing you at the meeting!

Executive Committee Highlights

2009-09-08T18:33:00.003-04:00

At recent meetings of the Board of directors, the following agenda items were unanimously approved:

* Life-long Norwood resident Tracey Haggett Sloan was unanimously appointed as recording secretary.

* Potsdam resident Sandra Morris was unanimously appointed to the Board as a Member-at-Large.

Both positions were vacant and needed to be filled as directed by the Association's by-laws. The Board members welcome Tracey and Sandra to the Executive Committee. The Board is grateful that Tracey and Sandra have graciously agreed to serve in their respective positions. We welcome them and look forward to their insight in shaping TOPTA's future.

*The by-laws are near completion and will be shared with the general membership at the annual meeting in September.

* The membership now exceeds 170 members and is continuing to grow. Many thanks to the public for staying involved and supporting TOPTA!

Assessment for Dummies?

2009-05-13T12:07:00.003-04:00

Jeffery Savitski, the St. Lawrence County editor for the Watertown Daily Times, wrote an interesting opinion piece about the Town of Potsdam Assessor and the assessment process.

Mr. Savitski writes about the Assessor's responsibilities, "Remember it is not your responsibility to get things right. If the taxpayer thinks you got something wrong, make them prove it. That’s another beauty about this system: You don’t have to show taxpayers photos, or explain how you came to the conclusion that their small house was worth more than a bigger and better house down the street. They have to show you!"

Please visit the link below to view the article in its' entirety.

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090512/BLOGS06/905129978

TOPTA applauds Mr. Savitski's candor and appreication of the situation with the Potsdam Town Assessor!

Tentative Roll Available Today!

2009-05-13T10:47:00.003-04:00

The 2009-2010 tentative property assessment roll for the Town of Potsdam is available today. Visit the Town Office in Potsdam or the St. Lawrence County Real Property Services Office in Canton for information about your 2009-2010 tentative property assessment.

If for any reason you are not treated in a courteous and professional manner by the assessor or any Town or County staff member, please let TOPTA know immediately. Email TOTPA Board of Directors confidentially at townofpotsdamtaxpayersassociation@gmail.com

Fighting Back: One Man's Story

2009-05-08T15:19:00.003-04:00

TOPTA Board of Directors have come across a useful website about how to successfully grieve one's assessment.

The website, also listed in the links section of TOPTA's blog, is http://www.townofnewhartford.com/FIGHTINGBACK/joeindex.htm

Joe Pacini, a New Hartford, NY resident, maintains the website and has also authored a book that details how to successfully grieve property assessments. Many of TOPTA's Board members have purchased the book and highly recommend it. It's easy to read and is a valuable resource.

Visit the website today because information is the key to success!

Grievance Day May 26

2009-05-08T14:55:00.003-04:00

The Town of Potsdam Grievance Day is Tuesday May 26 and now is the time to prepare.

Whether you decide to grieve your assessment or not, it is important for you to know exactly what information the assessor has on your property.

Visit the Town Office on Market Street in Potsdam and ask the assessor, assistant assessor, or clerk for a copy of the file on your property today!
It is not the assessor's responsibility to verify the validity of the information he has on your property. It is up to you, the property owner.
Did you know that statistics show 40 to 60% of all residential assessments are incorrect to some degree? Get your property file today and verify the information--you might be surprised at what's in your file!

Grievance Seminar

2009-04-19T13:24:00.002-04:00

TOPTA is hosting a seminar on how to effectively grieve residential property assessments.

The seminar will be held at the Norwood Municipal Building on May 7 at 6:30pm.

Highlights include step-by-step information for going before the grievance board, useful websites, and clarification of assessment terminology.

Volunteer Needed

2009-04-09T13:36:00.002-04:00

TOPTA's success is dependent upon a strong, well informed membership. TOPTA's Board of Director's is seeking a person to handle the communication to our members.

Duties include regular communications to the membership via email and US mail about the happenings with TOPTA. The person will develop weekly communications to include news stories from newspaper and radio, information about meetings, highlights from TOPTA Board meetings and possibly develop a monthly newsletter with information about TOPTA and helpful tips about the property assessment process.

If you have a strong computer background, enjoy writing and are interested in strengthing TOPTA , please contact VP Julie Colbert at townofpotsdamtaxpayersassoc@gmail.com today!

Assessments May Rise in the Town of Potsdam Again!

2009-03-16T11:56:00.002-04:00

According to a Daily Courier-Observer article on Friday March 13, 2009, Potsdam Town Supervisor Marie Regan stated that Assessor Kim Bisonette will be looking at several properties this spring in the township and adjusting assessments accordingly.

The reason for rising assessments is the Town's equalization rate. Currently the Town's equalization rate is at 92%. The State recommends a rate between 95-100%. Further research shows that only 42% of the towns in New York state have a 100% equalization rate. Jane Powers, director of the St. Lawrence County Real Property Tax Office, said in the same article that the town is not obligated or mandated to bring the equalization rate up to 95% or better. Further more Ms. Powers said "They could just maintain the status quo for a year, it's up to them."

Why does the Town want a rate of 95% or better? The State pays the Town $5 per property if the Town has a rate of 95% or greater. This translates to an additional $25,000 for the Town. If your assessment increases from $50,000 to $51,000, your new TOWN tax bill based on the 2008 rate of 3.8 will be $1,938, an increase of $38.00. And remember, this does not include the increase in your school and county tax bills. We are better off sending the Town of Potsdam $5 and telling Marie Regan and the Board to STOP ASSESSING and REASSESSING properties in the Town.

How can you tell The Town of Potsdam to STOP assessments and lower the equalization rate? Join TOPTA today. Contact us for letters you can send to our Town and County officials. Together we will make a difference.

Breaking News: Missing Impact Notices Found!

2009-03-02T09:27:00.003-05:00

Last spring many people recieved erroneous and grossly inaccurate property tax impact statments from the Town of Potsdam. When the Town Assessor and Supervisor, along with County Officials from the Real Property Tax Office were questioned about these statments there was finger pointing back and forth as to who and what office created the errors.

After it came to light that many people received inaccurate impact statements, other tax payers began asking the Town and County for a copy of their statements, only to be told the documents were "missing, not ever to be duplicated because the computer file was mysteriously gone forever!"

Over the weekend, it came to light the mysteriously missing impact statement computer file has micaculously been found! If you want a copy of your impact statement from last spring, call the Town of Potsdam today at 265-3430--it's your right!

Let YOUR Voice be Heard

2009-02-26T15:00:00.000-05:00

TOPTA's first letter campaign is underway.

Are you

unhappy with your current property assessment?

paying more taxes than anticipated because you received a grossly inaccurate impact statement last spring?

one of the many that had a negative experience with the property assessment grievance process?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then let your voice be heard. Email TOPTA at townofpotsdamtaxpayersassoc@gmail.com for a letter that you can mail to our Town Supervisor today!

TOPTA's Looking for Volunteers!

2009-02-25T19:51:00.000-05:00

Are you a concerned resident, taxpayer, and voter in the Town of Potsdam? Do you want to do something to positively impact the property assessment process for the Town of Potsdam?

Then TOPTA, also known as the Town of Potsdam Taxpayers Association, is the group for you! Spend as little as 1 or 2 hours a month or more if you wish collecting data, analyzing data, or working on a membership, education or public relations committee.

If you are interested, contact TOPTA today at townofpotsdamtaxpayersassoc@gmail.com

Breaking News--Assessment Committee Recommendations

2009-02-11T09:56:00.000-05:00

From 99 HITS NEWS HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY, 2/11/09

POTSDAM TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES RECOMMENDATIONS OF ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE--The Council voted unanimously Tuesday to support a slate of recommendations to include preparing the Board of Assessment Review before Grievance Day. The Council also voted to support a St. Lawrence County Legislative Finance Committee resolution headed for the full board supporting a different way to inform taxpayers of their estimated tax bills, in lieu of the current disclosure statements. Many of those statements turned out to be inaccurate in the Town of Potsdam last year, sparking protest that continues to this day.

Important Move by St. Lawrence County Legislator

2009-02-09T10:22:00.001-05:00

Do you remember the impact statement you received in early2008 that stated what the increase in your 2009 property taxes would be? Were you one of the hundreds of people who's impact statement was grossly inaccurate?

Last week the St. Lawrence County Legislator passed a resolution to have the NYS Real Property Services change the computer format to more accurately inform the citizens of the impact of a reassessment.

Hats off to our local legislators for ensuring the accuracy of future statements. A very special thanks to Sally Brothers for sponsoring this legislation.

Town of Potsdam Taxpayers Association wants YOU!

2009-02-09T10:14:00.001-05:00

If you pay property taxes in the Town of Potsdam, you are invited to join the Town of Potsdam Taxpayers Association.

Please send your $5.00 membership fee to

Town of Potsdam Taxpayers Association
PO Box 53
Norwood, NY 13668

Your five dollar membership fee will help cover the cost of mailings,
copying, and other small expenses the Board may incur.

Please join the Potsdam Taxpayers Association. Remember, there is strength in numbers!

What's been happening since the last public meeting in October?

2009-02-09T09:59:00.000-05:00

It's official, the Town of Potsdam Taxpayers Association is a functioning organization!

As you may have read or heard via local media, officers were elected:
President Buce Konkoski
Vice President Julie Colbert
Secretary Julie Kuenzler
Publice Relations Mike Landoll
Treasurer Ned Meader
Member at Large Julie Williams

Some of the "to do" items that are done include:

establishment of bylaws to govern the association.
post office box rented.
bank account established.
state identification number received.
Town of Potsdam Taxpayers Association blog started.

Items the officers are working on include:

membership drive.
template letters for citizens to send to government officials at the local, county, and state level.
petitions.
local media coverage of the association.
developing committees within the association for membership, research and data analysis, and education.

Please watch and listen to local media for more information about the Town of Potsdam Taxpayers Association!