Real Property Tax Service Thomas Bloodgood, C.C.D., Director tbloodgood@co.schuyler.ny.us 105 Ninth Street, Unit 14 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Phone: (607) 535-8118 Fax: (607) 535-8189

Schuyler County Assessing Overview

Schuyler County was established in 1854, and is named after the Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler. At 342 square miles, the county consists of eight towns and four villages, and also includes segments of ten different school districts. The 2000 census revealed the county’s population to be 19,224. The county seat is located in the Village of Watkins Glen, and is situated at the southern tip of Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. The Schuyler County economy is driven by agriculture and tourism, with major draws being the Watkins Glen State Park, the Finger Lakes wine trails, and the racetrack at Watkins Glen International.

As in most counties in New York State, the assessing function is a municipal responsibility controlled by the towns. However, Schuyler County has been a leader in developing shared service relationships among the various towns, villages and school districts, and currently seven of the county’s eight town’s contract with the county for assessment services. The product of this municipal cooperation has resulted in a substantial cost savings along with more equitable assessment rolls. All of the county’s towns have committed to updating assessments annually to ensure fairness. In 2009, Schuyler County received the Excellence in Equity Award from the New York State Office of Real Property Services in recognition of its support of local assessment equity.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Real Property Tax Service oversees the equitable administration of the real property tax.