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Light Rain East Meadow residents learn how to save money
Legislator hosts two property tax assessment workshops
Do it yourself. That was the message sent by representatives from the Nassau County Department of Assessment during two recent forums held at the East Meadow Public Library, on Jan. 27 and on Feb. 3.
Each forum, hosted by Legislator Norma Gonsalves, attracted at least 50 residents who listened to tips on how to properly fill out an application to appeal property tax assessments. Property owners who disagree with their new tentative property tax assessments can dispute the value by filing grievance applications up until March 1. Applications can be attained at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/ARC/forms or by visiting the Department of Assessment on 240 Old Country Road in Mineola.
Though attorneys and consultants could be helpful, residents were informed on ways that they could participate in the grievance process on their own.
“Many people think they have to go through an attorney and discover they don’t have to,” Gonsalves said. “If they listen to what is being said, they can do it on their own and save a lot of money.”
The legislator said a man passed a note to her that said, “Thank you, I saved $500.”
Hoping for similar outcome for the 2012-13 rolls, Nick Piumelli of East Meadow said that instead of using a firm, he is going to try it himself. Though he saved some money with the company, Piumelli said he was not impressed with the results and the service. Also, he noted that grieving his own taxes would save him the service fee charged by the firm.
“I decided, ‘Why should I give them the money?’” said Piumelli, who attended the Feb. 3 session. “They weren’t doing the research that I felt I was capable of doing.”
During the workshop, a police officer was stationed in the back of the meeting room to collect any unwanted, unused, expired or illicit drugs to the ongoing “Pharm Drop” program. Gonsalves hosts “Pharm Drops” at various community events throughout the year. At “Pharm Drops,” residents can anonymously deposit their medications for safe disposal to keep them out of the environment, the waterways and away from the hands of children.
