LYSANDER -- A costly legal settlement was announced Wednesday between Anheuser-Busch, the Town of Lysander, the Baldwinsville Central School District and other taxing authorities. It ends a dispute over the assessed value of the brewery on Route 31.
The settlement reduces the property's assessment from $96 million to $75 million and calls for reimbursements to be made to Anheuser-Busch by the end of this year for past taxes that were collected starting in the 2006-2007 tax year. Local leaders hope it will ensure the company will stay in town and keep jobs locally in Lysander.
"I am pleased that we have come to terms with Anheuser-Busch," said Lysander Town Supervisor Barry Bullis. "I hope that Lysander's willingness to assist our largest employer will mean a continuing long-term relationship with the brewery and help keep them in our community for many years to come."
"The district entered into this agreement to avoid costly litigation, to keep AB as a thriving business in our community and to sustain the district's quality educational programs," said Baldwinsville Superintendent Jeanne Dangle.
For its part, Anheuser-Busch says it's pleased by the agreement. The company released this statement: "The Company and taxing jurisdictions operated in good faith to work through this assessment issue. Avoiding costly litigation and improving the competitive position of the facility is in the best interest of all parties. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship."
Terms of the agreement call for retroactive refunds for the current tax year and the past four tax years in the following amounts:
- Baldwinsville Central Schools $2,512,097
- Onondaga County $351,027
- Town of Lysander $140,810
- Special Districts $146,700 (Belgium-Cold Springs Fire Department, The Radisson Lighting District and the Radisson Water Supply District)
