Nassau Executive Laura Curran filed legislation on Monday
that aims to correct erroneously high tax bills in the county.
Lawmakers say the owners of more than 5,500 properties in
Nassau were overcharged by as much as $5.6 million, with many of the instances affecting senior citizens and veterans.
A county spokesperson told Newsday:
"The county's older assessment system failed to apply
the Taxpayer Protection Plan's 5-year phase-in properly to approximately 4,700
veterans and 800 clergy — resulting in these homeowners not receiving some or
all of the benefit of TPP on County and town special district taxes."
The county says all residents will be reimbursed.
Republican Legislator John Ferretti scoffed at the
explanation, saying “It's really a shame, not only that this happened, but that
the county executive isn't willing to be held accountable."
The county's communications director issued a separate statement Tuesday calling Frennetti's response "petty politics."
Executive Curran is also asking Gov. Andrew Cuomo to extend
the deadline for first half general tax bills without penalty until March 12.