Billionaire Tom Golisano believes homeowners are paying too much property taxes. Now he’s taken out a full page ad in seven local weekly newspapers to make his case. Golisano outlines ten points why he thinks the process of assessing property taxes is unfair. “It sounds like the real issue that he has is a philosophical one of do we fund municipal services and school districts with property taxes is that fair,” said Mendon Town Attorney Sheldon Boyce. Golisano recently filed a lawsuit to have the property tax assessment lowered on his new 12-thousand square foot home. “He was initially assessed at six-million the assessment review process that he complains of reduced that assessment by a full million dollars so we feel at five million that is certainly a very fair assessment,” said Boyce. But, Golisano isn't just concerned about his own assessment. He wants other homeowners to fight back. “The tax market is probably quite fairly consistent with where it should be,” said Mendon resident Don Peterson. Peterson is no billionare but he thinks the tax rate in Mendon is much lower than some surrouding towns. He also says the process to adjust your assessment is fair. "We did find the process fair without question absolutely," said Peterson. But Golisano questions the process and is hoping residents and the courts will agree. "Iif he wants to talk philosophically of is this the way we should raise taxes he may have a point but that's for the legislature but there is nothing wrong with the process in the Town of Mendon," added Boyce.
