In a poll conducted by Amherst, NY-based Goldhaber
Research Associates, 75% of Erie County, NY, residents
surveyed said "they would not support a new lease agreement
with the Bills if it forced a property tax increase of $100
per household," according to Scott Thomas of BUSINESS FIRST
of Buffalo. Nineteen percent were in favor of the
"hypothetical deal, which would cost each household $8.33 a
month" and 6% were not sure. The phone survey of 600 Erie
County residents, commissioned by Business First, was
conducted from July 10-16 and has a margin of error of +/-
4%. No demographic group offered majority support for the
hypothetical tax hike; in fact, the only demographic groups
to give "even 25 percent backing" were students (35%), 18-
to-25-year-olds (33%) and those with household incomes of
$50,000 or more (28%). Support levels for a property tax
increase by other demographic categories: Male (21%), female
(16%); homeowners (18%), renters (20%); Buffalo residents
(15%), residents from the rest of Erie County (20%). In a
second scenario in which a new lease for the Bills required
a property tax increase of $500 per household, 90% were
opposed, 3% were in favor and 7% were unsure (BUSINESS FIRST
of Buffalo, 7/28 issue).
