SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A special state commission continues to hear testimony on potential reforms of the property tax system in New York. The group, headed by Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, is due to report its findings to Governor Paterson in late May.

Much of the talk prior to the commission hearings focused on a possible cap on property tax increases, but some local leaders said deeper reform is needed.

“I think it's going to have to be done in steps. I think most people would be a lot more favorable to it if it's done in a step by step method. And, again, there are a lot of communities out there who have been pilots, in other words tried innovative things to go forward,” said Onondaga County Legislator Bill Meyer.

Meyer said the commission should gather data on the costs of local government all across the state. By standardizing costs, he thinks many communities will find ways to reduce tax burdens.