David McKay Wilson, a veteran journalist for The Journal News/lohud and current columnist for Tax Watch, has been honored for the third time for his reporting on property taxes and appraisals.
The New York State Assessors Association on Tuesday presented its annual media award to Wilson, specifically for his in-depth investigation into appraisal discrepancies in the town of Philipstown, one of several municipalities in the Lower Hudson Valley that have not reappraised property in years.
Wilson also organized and chaired a meeting where a panel of valuation experts discussed his findings and the problems associated with avoiding revaluations.
Wilson’s report resulted in the allocation of $25,000 in the Philipstown budget to initiate the work necessary to conduct a reappraisal.
“David McKay Wilson reports thoroughly on issues important to the appraisal community,” said Maggie Alix, president of the New York State Assessors Association. “He gathers the facts, he listens, and he delivers accurate reporting that has a meaningful impact not only on appraisers, but on property taxpayers throughout New York State. His dedication to property tax issues is deeply appreciated.”
Three of the last six Assessors Association media awards have gone to Wilson, with him also winning in 2014 and 2019. The media award is given to encourage quality reporting on complex assessment issues.
“I am honored to be recognized by the association again,” Wilson said. “Over the years, they have generously given of their time to help me better understand the complexities of New York’s property tax system.”
Wilson compared house sales prices to official real estate values
Wilson analyzed 174 home sales in Philipstown between September 2021 and March 2023, showing how many sold for less or more than their value on the city’s tax rolls. He showed that taxpayers who own the city’s most expensive properties are paying less than their fair share of the total tax bill.
Wilson also wrote about the tax on the very popular heat pumps, which is sure to be an issue in municipalities across the state. He focused on a Lewisboro taxpayer who opposed an increase in the value of her home after installing a heat pump. Lewisboro delayed the increase after Wilson asked, and decided to ask the state for an opinion.
Scott Shedler, legislative director of the Assessors Association and the recently retired Ramapo assessor, praised Wilson’s work.
“Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Dave Wilson has transformed the complex world of real estate appraisals and taxes into a story that informs and empowers the community,” Shedler said. “His outstanding work not only enlightens readers, but also stimulates meaningful conversations about fairness and accountability in our local government.”
When he’s not writing about taxes, government policy and accountability, Wilson is an avid skier, cyclist and swing dancer. He’s also written about his Stars of Hope — stars he makes with wood and string before stringing them onto LED lights. His stars are now displayed in churches around the region during the Christmas season.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Lohud’s David McKay Wilson Honored for Tax and Valuation Reporting
