Chemung: Vulcraft assessment appeal in limbo

ELMIRA -- The assessment appeal sought by attorneys for the Vulcraft of New York plant in Chemung for three properties owned by the plant remains in limbo in Chemung County Supreme Court.

A check of court records at the Chemung County Clerk's office Thursday showed that no orders have been filed on this case since Aug. 24, 2017. That was when town Attorney Timothy Bocek filed paperwork asking the court to dismiss the matter.

The company is looking to reduce the total 2017 assessment for its three properties -- including its manufacturing facility at 621 Main St. -- by over 54 percent, from $17,717,720 to $8,055,000.

The company is seeking a lowering of its assessment despite the fact that it is still in the midst of a 20-year Payment-In-Lieu-Of-Taxes agreement with the Town of Chemung, Chemung County and the Waverly Central School District.

That agreement, which expires in 2020, calls for the company to pay only 25 percent of the total taxes on the property for the remaining eight years of the contract.

The changes in assessments that the company is seeking is as follows:

* From $17.365 million to $8 million for the manufacturing facility, which is located on 73.63 acres.

* From $15,100 to $5,000 for a vacant parcel the company owns.

* From $337,620 to $50,000 for 25 acres that the company owns.

The company appeared before the town's board of assessment review seeking a reduction in its 2017 assessments, but were denied. That action prompted the company to appeal the matter to the Chemung County Supreme Court.

In the appeal, Buffalo attorney Bruce S. Zeffel -- who is representing Vulcraft of New York Inc. -- claims that the company's assessment is "illegal and erroneous because it is unequal and excessive."

In the town's response, Bocek states that the county supreme court has no jurisdiction in this matter as under the PILOT agreement, "the parties have previously agreed to the Alternative Dispute Resolution option of Arbitration with appraisal rights as the manner in which to resolve assessment disputes."

Bocek then requested that the court dismiss the matter.

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