FORESTBURGH – At its recent meeting, the Forestburgh Town Board discussed a developing issue that could have major financial implications for communities across Sullivan County. 

Millennium Pipeline is trying to challenge its property tax assessment in the town. The natural gas transmission company, which has lines through multiple counties, is “challenging their assessment from the Canadian border all the way to New York City,” Dan Hogue, Town Supervisor, explained.

Millennium’s existing PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) programs have all recently expired, causing the company to seek reduction in its assessed value. If successful, the challenge could reduce the amount of tax revenue received by towns.

It was noted that the county has already retained a law firm to represent its interest in the developing dispute as well as several other towns appear likely to join a coordinated defense. 

Some towns are still evaluating whether to enter a unified legal strategy. But Hogue expressed that a collective approach may be more efficient and cost effective. “I think it’s a good idea if all the towns stick together on this,” he said, further explaining that it could streamline court proceedings, lower legal costs and ensure consistency in how the assessments are challenged.

The board expressed that this is in its early stages, and action related to it will unfold over time. The process will likely involve a series of meetings, conferences and discussion from other town boards before a final decision is made, they said.