Priced Out of Yonkers: Con Edison Bills, Property Taxes and Why Families Are Leaving New York
Quick answer
Many Yonkers residents are being priced out by the combined cost of property taxes and utility bills. A county legislator does not set Con Edison rates (the state does), but does vote on the county tax levy and can use the office to push for answers. County Legislators can also push bills that influence the demand on electricity thus driving up prices.
What neighbors are telling Dan
At the door, the story keeps repeating. One older couple told Dan their Con Edison bill had reached about $1,400 a month. Add property taxes that are the highest in the country, and retirement in the community they spent their lives building stops being affordable.
When families do the math, many leave for lower-cost states. Neighbors, friends and children move away, and the people who stay carry the same bills with fewer people to share them.
Being honest about what the county controls
Dan is direct about this in the video: some things a county legislator cannot control. Utility rates are regulated by the state Public Service Commission, not the county.
What the county does control is its own budget and tax levy. Every dollar the county does not raise in taxes is a dollar that stays in a family's pocket. In Dan's words, taxes and being a good steward of the county's funds is one way the Board can ease the burden. A legislator can also call attention to rate impacts, press state officials, and stand with residents when bills spike.
The plan
Vote against county tax increases.
Hold the budget to essential services first.
Be a loud advocate for Yonkers residents on cost-of-living issues that reach across levels of government.
Get involved: Read the full plan | Donate | Volunteer
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