Fact check: Republicans falsely claim Ian Phillips didn't pay his taxes in 2006
A mailer supporting sent to voters in the 126th Assembly District pushes a false claim — that Democratic candidate Ian Phillips did not pay his taxes and had a tax warrant issued against him in 2006.
The mailer, which was paid for by the New York Republican State Committee and Republican Assembly Campaign Committee in support of Assemblyman John Lemondes, alleges Phillips, D-Auburn, "shamelessly ignored a 2006 NYS tax warrant to pay $3,204.94 of his own taxes!"
However, a review of court records found that it was not a tax case against Phillips.
In 2006, the state sued Phillips for unpaid charges while he was a student at SUNY Cortland. According to the filing, the state sought a judgment totaling $3,204.94 — an amount that included the principal, interest and attorney fees.
Phillips told The Citizen the fee was for a study abroad program between his sophomore and junior years at SUNY Cortland. Once he was aware of the unpaid charge, he paid the amount to resolve the case.
Republicans use the false claim to criticize Phillips for receiving $175,000 in matching funds through the state public campaign finance program. State legislature candidates who enroll in the program are eligible for matching funds if they raise small-dollar donations.
Phillips was awarded the maximum amount, $175,000, for his campaign. Lemondes, R-LaFayette, also registered for the program and has received $84,454 in matching funds.
The mailer also attacks Phillips' voting record as an Auburn school board member. He served two terms on the school board beginning in 2019. His final term expired this year.
While Phillips was on the Auburn school board, Republicans say taxes increased by $4.4 million. It is true that the property tax levy increased by that amount, from $31.2 million in 2018-19 to $35.6 million in 2024-25. But more context is missing from the mailer.
Although the tax levy rose, the actual tax rate decreased during Phillips' time on the school board. This was highlighted in a column outgoing Auburn Superintendent Jeff Pirozzolo wrote in 2022 , when the district's tax rate reached its lowest point — $17.31 per $1,000 of assessed value — in a decade.
According to data released by the state comptroller's office , the Auburn school district's tax rate decreased from $18.76 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2018 to $16.60 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2023.
The race between Lemondes and Phillips is emerging as one of the most competitive state Assembly contests. Lemondes is vying for a third term, while this is Phillips' first run for state-level office.
The 126th Assembly District includes parts of Cayuga and Onondaga counties.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 26.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or . Love Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
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