HOLLAND
97 percent established as rate of equalization
The new equalization rate for Holland has been established at 97 percent for 2009, or a 3 percent reduction from 2008.
During a meeting of the Holland Town Board on Wednesday, Supervisor Michael Kasprzyk said the change will not affect the amount residents will pay for town taxes but that it will make a difference when calculating the tax rate for county and school taxes.
Under a five-year program, Holland had gone to a 100 percent evaluation method, which angered some residents and cost the town more than $50,000 in legal fees from people contesting their assessments. The program was rejected by the board when it came up for renewal last year.
Also, for the second time in recent years, the Postal Service has rejected a request by the town to return a general purpose mailbox on Main Street in front of Holland Hardware, where it had served the community for years.
“They removed all the boxes they deemed underutilized,” Kasprzyk said. “Now residents have to mail letters at the Post Office on Partridge Road — that’s a 1.2-mile round trip for most folks.”
He added, “So much for a walkable community.” More than a year behind schedule, the Holland Town Board heard that the Holland parking lot and windmill project is done.
The last phase was finished this week when the sign in front of Ronni’s Pizza was altered to allow easier pedestrian access on the sidewalk and into the parking lot, which has been freshly paved and curbed. Recent improvements include new light fixtures, hanging plants and a miniature windmill.
Also, residents of Savage Road were encouraged last year when the Erie County Highway Department agreed to reduce the speed limit from 55 to 45 mph on their street.
However, 3 months later, Supervisor Michael Kasprzyk said, no signs on the road have been changed to reflect the lower speed limit. He said he plans to urge the county Highway Department to follow through with the promise.
