CHENANGO COUNTY – Some local policy makers are reluctant to say if New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s latest proposal to provide more than $2 billion in tax relief for residents and businesses across the state will have a direct benefit in Chenango County.

On Monday, Governor Cuomo announced a plan of a more than $2 billion in tax relief in hopes of boosting economic opportunity, growth and to attract new businesses in the state. According to the Governor, state-wide tax cuts are made possible through years of financial planning that turned a $10 billion deficit into a $2 billion surplus.

Included in the Cuomo’s proposal is a two-year freeze on property taxes, subject to two conditions. During the first year, the state will provide tax rebates to homeowners who live in a jurisdiction only if that jurisdiction adheres to the state mandated 2 percent property tax cap. In the second year, the rebate will continue only if the taxing locality adheres to the tax cap and agrees to a shared services or consolidation plan with another jurisdiction.

“It’s obvious the Governor is trying to help individuals and help the business climate,” said Chenango County Board of Supervisors Chairman Lawrence Wilcox. “I just hope the Governor’s latest proposal isn’t filled with unfunded mandates to get to that end.”

When it comes to success of the Governor’s plan, Wilcox said the devil is in the detail.

“Without knowing exactly how the program will work, it’s difficult to make a good assessment,” he said. “I agree with shared services. And the things that help save some money are worth doing,” he added, though noting he is not a proponent of consolidation.

Wilcox also questioned whether or not a homeowner who lives in multiple taxing districts would be eligible for a rebate should one of those taxing entities not adhere to the tax cap.