Last year, Wal-Mart made $11 billion in profits but pushed $1.37 billion in health care costs onto American taxpayers. Now the company is trying to get out of paying property taxes, this time in a small town in New York state. But the community is demanding that Wal-Mart pay its fair share.

From the Star-Gazette (Elmira/Corning, NY):

WATKINS GLEN -- Schuyler County legislators have agreed to join the town of Dix, the village of Watkins Glen and the Watkins Glen school district in defense against Wal-Mart's legal attempt to have the store's property taxes lowered.

The four taxing bodies will hire the Davidson and O'Mara firm of Elmira.

The resolution passed unanimously Monday by lawmakers states that a reduction in the assessment of the Wal-Mart property on state Route 414 on the eastern edge of the village would have an adverse affect on the taxing jurisdictions.

The property is assessed at $12.5 million, and Wal-Mart has started the legal action in state Supreme Court to ask for an assessment reduction. It previously had asked for a reduction to $5.4 million, which was denied by the town.

The property is assessed at $12.5 million, and Wal-Mart has started the legal action in state Supreme Court to ask for an assessment reduction. It previously had asked for a reduction to $5.4 million, which was denied by the town.

Assessing also came up during the meeting when legislators approved an intermunicipal agreement that can be used with towns interested in having their property values set under the guidance of the county Real Property Tax Services Department.

With the agreement, towns would continue to appoint their own part-time assessors, who would become county employees. Fees for the services would be based on the number of parcels involved.

County Administrator Timothy O'Hearn said the town of Orange has already voted to join the program.

He said last week that he does not expect all towns to participate, but "the assessors, without exception, support this initiative," he said Monday.