Rochester Mayor Tom Richards told state lawmakers today that upstate cities like Rochester are relying too much on an antiquated revenue generating model.
At budget hearings in Albany today, Richards said the traditional source of funding for upstate cities has been the real estate property tax.
He calls that an 18th century model for a 21st century reality.
Richards says by the time Rochester pays its mandated school aid and pension payments, all of its real estate tax, plus millions more, is gone.
He says this is a structural problem that needs to be addressed.
Richards suggests the expenses created by concentrated urban poverty be shared over a broader base.
Richards: Upstate Cities Relying on 18th Century Revenue Model
