Excludes solar or wind energy projects in the county of Lewis that were already in existence on the effective date of Part N of chapter 59 of the laws of 2023 from certain appraisal models and discount rates.
Summary
Bill A03764 seeks to amend the real property tax law by specifically excluding certain solar or wind energy projects located in Lewis County from the appraisal models and discount rates established in the previous legislation (Part N of chapter 59 of the laws of 2023). This exclusion applies to projects that were already in existence as of the effective date of the prior law, thereby preventing any changes in their assessed value based on the new appraisal models. The bill allows the commissioner of taxation and finance to readopt the 2022 appraisal model without further public consultation, which streamlines the process for the upcoming tax year.
Impact
The passage of this bill will directly impact the assessment practices for solar and wind energy projects in Lewis County by ensuring that existing projects are not subject to the new appraisal models and discount rates. This could lead to more stable property tax assessments for these energy projects, potentially encouraging continued investment in renewable energy within the county. It also clarifies the liability of assessing units that did not use the new appraisal model in 2022, relieving them from penalties related to that oversight.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A03764 appears to be mixed, with some support for protecting existing renewable energy projects from potentially unfavorable tax assessments. However, there may be concerns about the lack of public consultation in the readoption process of the appraisal models, which could lead to questions about transparency and stakeholder engagement in the decision-making process.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the decision to allow the commissioner to readopt appraisal models without additional public input, which some stakeholders may view as undermining democratic processes. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on whether excluding certain projects from new appraisal models is beneficial for the growth of renewable energy or if it sets a precedent that could lead to inequities in property tax assessments across different regions.
Same As
Excludes solar or wind energy projects in the county of Lewis that were already in existence on the effective date of Part N of chapter 59 of the laws of 2023 from certain appraisal models and discount rates.
Excludes solar or wind energy projects in the county of Lewis that were already in existence on the effective date of Part N of chapter 59 of the laws of 2023 from certain appraisal models and discount rates.
Requires 12.5% of profits generated from a solar or wind energy system to be paid to a taxing jurisdiction or land owner under certain agreements for the installation and use of such solar or wind energy system, in addition to other PILOT or other payments required under such agreement.