CATSKILL — The Catskill Town Council voted Tuesday to resolve a tax dispute between the town and Walmart.
Walmart challenged the real estate tax assessment of its properties in May, seeking a reduction in real estate taxes, and approached town hall this month about a settlement offer.
The settlement will reduce the assessed value of the Walmart Supercenter in Catskill Commons on Route 9W from $10.5 million to $8.8 million in 2024.
The Town Council approved the settlement on a 3-2 vote, with Councilmembers Dawn Scannapieco and Paul Vosburg Jr. voting against the settlement agreement.
“I feel like big companies like Walmart are getting too many furloughs right now, but a lot of small businesses could benefit more,” Scannapieco said. “Revenues have to be made up somewhere, and it’s hard-working people who make up for it.”
Catskill City Assessor Audrey Higbee said it’s common for companies like Walmart to challenge assessments against small towns.
“The pattern is to sue small towns every three years,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for them to reduce property values.”
According to a resolution approved by the town board, Walmart is entitled to a refund of excess taxes, but the town does not owe the company a refund in 2023.
Scannapieco said the ability for stores like Walmart to compete with small towns over taxes could be part of the reason they move to the area.
“Small towns have a high concentration of big box stores, which may be one reason,” she says.