A single, countywide office to handle property assessments -- replacing 30 offices scattered throughout the municipalities of Erie County -- could save taxpayers millions, county Comptroller Mark C. Poloncarz said today.

At a morning news conference in his Rath Building office, Poloncarz released a report by his office that examines the cost of local real property assessment in the county, which has 30 independent assessing units. They're part of the 1,133 units across the state. California, by comparison, has 59.

According to the comptroller's report, it costs $6.5 million annually -- not including fringe benefits -- to staff and operate those 30 independent units that, for the most part, are overseen by appointed assessors.

Countywide assessments are being encouraged by New York State, the comptroller said, through myriad annual, recurring and one-time forms of aid and incentives. The practice already has been adopted in Nassau and Tompkins counties.

Here, there would be several hurdles to clear, including the elimination of the independent assessing entities. Then, creation of a new county department would require approval by the Erie County Legislature, the county executive and voters, through a referendum.

"If a unified system .‚.‚. was adopted in Erie County, not only would the county benefit .‚.‚. so would local governments and, in the end, taxpayers of Erie County," Poloncarz said.

Copies of the report were to be distributed today to county and municipal officials.

"I know this report will not be warmly received in some circles," the comptroller predicted.

jhabuda@buffnews.com

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