ALLEGANY
REGULAR SESSION
** APPROVED **
The regular meeting of the Board of
Legislators was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Chairman Curtis W. Crandall,
who then led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The invocation was given by Legislator Pullen.
ROLL CALL: 14 Present; 1 Absent (Legislator
O’Grady).
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES:
The Board meeting minutes of
December 24, 2007 were approved on a motion made by Legislator Truax, seconded
by Legislator Dibble and carried.
The Board Organization meeting
minutes of January 2, 2008 were approved on a motion made by Legislator Dibble,
seconded by Legislator Truax and carried.
PRIVILEGE OF
THE FLOOR:
Chairman Crandall granted privilege
of the floor to Warren G. Schmidt, BOCES County Government Intern Program
Instructor, who thanked the legislators for their continued support and
introduced the 2008 interns. Six
participants were present, and they will be joined by a few others in the
coming weeks.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS,
COMMUNICATIONS, REPORTS, ETC.:
1. Placed
on each legislator’s desk was a copy of the Legislators’ Compensation Table for
2007.
2. Also
placed on each legislator’s desk was a copy of the Report of Intrafund
Transfers approved by the
3. Notification
was received that the Personnel Committee has appointed Douglas A. Dillon as
Executive Secretary of the Allegany County Mutual Self-Insurance Plan (Workers’
Compensation) for calendar year 2008.
4. A
reminder was announced for the two special Committee of the Whole meetings on
January 15 and January 23 at 3:00 p.m. at the
5. A
news release was received from Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development
Board highlighting their December 20 meeting.
6. An
invitation was received from Century 21 Unlimited Real Estate to attend an open
house at their new office at
APPOINTMENTS:
The Clerk of the Board
announced that Chairman Curtis W. Crandall has appointed Steven Presutti of
INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION:
Legislator Reynolds introduced
Local Law Intro. No. 1-2008, Print No. 1, entitled “A Local Law Amending Local
Law No. 4 of 1987, as Amended, to Provide for a Partial Tax Exemption of Real
Property Owned by Certain Persons with Limited Annual Income Who are Sixty-Five
Years of Age or Over,” a copy of said proposed Local Law having been placed on
each legislator’s desk.
RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION
NO. 4-08
RESOLUTION SETTING DATE OF
PUBLIC HEARING ON A LOCAL LAW
AMENDING LOCAL LAW NO. 4 OF
1987, AS AMENDED,
TO PROVIDE FOR A PARTIAL TAX
EXEMPTION OF REAL PROPERTY
OWNED BY CERTAIN PERSONS WITH
LIMITED ANNUAL INCOME
WHO ARE SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF
AGE OR OVER
Offered by:
Ways and Means Committee
WHEREAS, on this 14th day of January, 2008, a local law (Intro. No.
1-2008, Print No. 1) was introduced Amending Local Law No. 4 of 1987 to Provide
for a Partial Tax Exemption of Real Property Owned by Certain Persons with
Limited Annual Income Who are Sixty-Five Years of Age or Over, and
WHEREAS, it will be necessary to set a date for public hearing on
said proposed local law, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED:
1. That a public hearing shall be held on
February 11, 2008, at 2:00 P.M. in the County Legislators' Chambers, Room 221,
County Office Building, Belmont, New York, before the Allegany County Board of
Legislators, in relation to proposed Local Law Intro. No. 1-2008, Print No. 1.
2. That the Clerk of the Board of
Legislators is directed to prepare, with the assistance of the County Attorney,
a notice of said public hearing, to cause the publication of a copy of said
notice in each of the two newspapers which have been officially designated by
this Board to publish “notices,” and to affix a copy of said notice on the
County bulletin board in the County Courthouse at Belmont, New York; both
publication and posting to be made at least five days before the public
hearing.
Moved by: Mr. Reynolds Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. Truax 14
Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent
Comments made regarding Resolution No. 4-08: Mr. Ungermann
noted his concern with exemptions is that if someone is exempted, someone else
has to pay the bill. The problem is the cost
of government, and if we could do something about trimming that cost, we’d
reduce the need for exemptions.
Previously, when a reduction in sales tax on heating fuel was considered,
we were looking at a cost of $221,000 for a one-half percent reduction; the
cost for this exemption will be over $300,000.
A large percentage of the County’s population is older. Mr. Ungermann cautioned that if we give
exemptions to the older population, not to be surprised when the younger people
leave because they can’t afford to stay.
We need to consider the long-term effects. There’s already a sizable exemption in place.
Mr. Russo commented that this exemption will
help the older people stretch their incomes.
If the exemption is approved, people will realize that the government is
responsive. The younger people are not
the only ones leaving; the older ones are leaving because they’re losing their
homes. If we go through something like
this, it makes us realize we need to cut costs.
This is a first step.
RESOLUTION
NO. 5-08
REINSTATEMENT OF TAX PARCEL TO TAXABLE
PORTION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL
Offered by:
Ways and Means Committee
Pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section
1138
WHEREAS, a
Certificate of Withdrawal was filed in the Allegany County Clerk’s Office on
February 15, 2007 for a parcel of real property located in the Town of Amity,
and
WHEREAS, such parcel of real property was withdrawn
from the taxable portion of the assessment roll and determined to be exempt
from taxation based upon the determination that there was no practical method
to enforce the collection of delinquent taxes on such parcel, now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED:
1. That
the Allegany County Board of Legislators does hereby determine and direct that
the following parcel be restored to the taxable portion of the assessment roll:
Town Owner Tax
Map Number Serial Number
Town of
Development
Corp.
2. That the County Treasurer, as enforcing
officer, shall issue a certificate of reinstatement and any and all other
documents necessary to restore the above described parcel to the taxable
portion of the assessment roll.
Moved by: Mr. Reynolds Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. Truax 12
Ayes, 2 Noes, 1 Absent
Voting
No: Burdick, Kruger
Comments made regarding Resolution No. 5-08: Mr. Kruger noted that he has not supported
the sale of the former
Mr. Ungermann stated that the County gave away
56,383 square feet of usable space and numerous parking spaces for $1. If for some reason the property doesn’t end
up being used for a tax-free situation, this resolution will provide for it to
go back on the tax rolls; therefore, he supports it. County Treasurer Terri Ross affirmed that in
order for the property to remain tax exempt, the new owner would have to meet
certain requirements.
RESOLUTION
NO. 6-08
A RESOLUTION DETERMINING
THAT ERRORS EXIST ON THE
2007 COUNTY AND TOWN TAX
ROLLS FOR THE TOWNS NAMED WITH REGARD TO REAL PROPERTY OF VARIOUS TAXPAYERS THEREIN;
DIRECTING MAILING OF
NOTICES OF APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS FOR CORRECTED TAX ROLLS AND ORDERING THE
VARIOUS TOWN TAX COLLECTORS TO CORRECT THE TAX ROLLS; PROVIDING FOR CHARGE
BACKS OR CREDITS
Offered by:
Ways and Means Committee
Pursuant to Real Property Tax Law § 554
WHEREAS, applications, for the taxpayers hereafter described, have
been made to the County's Director of Real Property Tax Service Agency, for the
correction of certain errors affecting their real property on various tax
rolls, and
WHEREAS, the Director has transmitted to this Board the
applications, in duplicate, together with a written report of his investigation
of the claimed errors and his written recommendation for action thereon by this
Board as to each application, and
WHEREAS, this Board has examined each application and report to
determine whether the claimed error exists, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED:
1. That with regard to the applications
for the named taxpayers pertaining to claimed errors regarding their real
property on the respective tax rolls of the named Towns, this Board of
Legislators does determine that the claimed errors as alleged in those
applications exist and does approve those applications.
2. That the Chairman of this Board is
authorized and directed to make a notation on those applications and the
duplicates thereof that they are approved, to enter thereon the respective
correct extension of taxes as set forth by the Director in his report, to enter
thereon the respective date of mailing of a notice of approval, to enter
thereon the date of mailing of a certified copy of this resolution to the
proper Tax Collector, and to sign thereon as Chairman.
3. That the Clerk of this Board is
directed to mail to the below listed taxpayers a notice of approval stating, in
substance, that their application made has been approved, to inform the
Chairman of this Board of the date of the mailing thereof, and to inform such
respective taxpayers of the applicable provisions of subdivision seven of
Section 554 of the Real Property Tax Law.
4. That the Tax Collector of the Town of
Alfred is ordered and directed to correct in the 2007 County and Town Tax Roll
the assessment or taxes, or both, of the property assessed to the following
taxpayer and described as follows:
a. Kendall, David A. c/o Wells
Assessment: Land $88,700 Total $88,700
by removing the School Relevy and by correcting the taxes, as follows:
Town of
Alfred Fire 57.27
Total $2,011.18
and the
School Relevy $2,271.74
5. That the Clerk of this Board is
directed to forthwith mail a certified copy of this resolution to the various
Tax Collectors for the Towns stated above together with the original copies of
those applications completed in accordance with section two of this resolution.
6. The Clerk of this Board shall mail a
copy of this resolution to the above named School and the amount to be charged
to each School shall not be charged until 10 days after such mailing. Such amount shall be deducted by the County
Treasurer from the money payable to each School as a result of school taxes
returned after the date such amount is charged and which shall be paid to each
School after May 1, 2008. The
Moved by: Mr. Reynolds Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. Fanton 14
Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent
RESOLUTION
NO. 7-08
APPROVING
AND RATIFYING 2008 RESOURCE ALLOCATION PLAN AGREEMENT WITH OFFICE OF CHILDREN
AND FAMILY SERVICES;
PROVIDING
FOR APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS WHEN SUBCONTRACTS FOR
SPECIAL
DELINQUENCY PREVENTION PROGRAM SERVICES ARE APPROVED
Offered by:
Public Safety and Ways and Means Committees
RESOLVED:
1.
That the 2008 Resource Allocation
Plan agreement with Office of Children and Family Services in relation to the
State's allocation of funds to the County for providing youth services under
its Comprehensive Youth Service Plan is approved and ratified.
2. That the Chairman of this Board is
authorized to execute such Plan Agreement.
3. That a portion of the funds to be
received under such Plan agreement shall be appropriated from time to time to
cover the costs under sub‑contractor service provider agreements as may
be approved by this Board.
Moved by: Mr. Dibble Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. Pullen 14
Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent
RESOLUTION
NO. 8-08
RESOLUTION FOR ACCEPTABLE TRAINING FOR
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
Offered by:
Ways and Means Committee
WHEREAS, General
Municipal Law 239-C (d) provides that effective January 1, 2007, all planning
board members in New York State, as well as alternate members of those boards,
must complete a minimum of four hours of training each year, and
WHEREAS, the
above sections of state law provide that a planning board member shall not be
eligible for reappointment to such board if they have not completed the
training required by law, and
WHEREAS, the
above sections of state law provide that the legislative body of the County
specifies which activities qualify as training to satisfy the state
requirements, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED:
1. That
the following list of agencies, commissions, associations, universities, and
other organizations are approved to provide training to meet the state
requirements when the training they provide pertains to municipal planning,
zoning, community design, environmental issues, economic development, and local
government functions and practices:
a. The New York State Department of State,
Department of Agriculture and Markets, Office of the State Comptroller,
Department of Health, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental
Conservation, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and
b. The New York State Association of
Towns, the New York Conference of Mayors, the New York State Association of
Counties, the New York Planning Federation, the American Planning Association,
the Upstate New York Chapter of the American Planning Association and its
sections, and the Metro New York Chapter of the American Planning Association
and its sections, and
c. The Central New York Regional Planning
and Development Board, Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development
Board, Southern Tier East Regional Planning and Development Board, Southern
Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board, Genesee-Finger Lakes
Regional Planning Council, and
d. The
e. The Albany Law School Governmental Law
Center and Institute for Legal Studies, Pace Law School, Cornell University and
its Cooperative Extension, Alfred University, State University of New York,
Houghton College, Jamestown Community College, and
f. On-line planning and zoning training
programs offered by the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal,
2. That other training activities may be
approved on a case-by-case basis by the Allegany County Board of Legislators
upon the request of a planning board member.
3. That any new member appointed to fill
the last six months of a term shall not be required to have attended training
to be reappointed to a first full term, but must thereafter comply with the
municipal training policy as provided elsewhere herein.
4. That training received by a planning
board member in excess of four hours in any one year may be carried over by the
member into succeeding years.
5. The training required by this paragraph
may be waived or modified by the County when, in the judgment of the governing
board, it is in the best interest of the County to do so.
6. That the Department of Development and
Planning shall create and maintain a system of tracking the training individual
members complete annually and such information shall be presented to the
appointing authority prior to considering a member for reappointment.
Moved by: Mr. Reynolds Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. Truax 14
Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent
RESOLUTION
NO. 9-08
REAPPOINTMENT OF TWO MEMBERS TO
ALLEGANY
Offered by:
Human Services Committee
RESOLVED:
1. That Edna Howard of
Moved by: Mr. Truax Adopted: Voice Vote
Seconded by: Mr. Hopkins
RESOLUTION
NO. 10-08
REAPPOINTMENT OF FOUR MEMBERS
TO THE
CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL TO
THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING
Offered by:
Human Services Committee
Pursuant to Resolution No. 221-74
RESOLVED:
1. That
the reappointments of Wallace Higgins of Alfred Station, New York, Jean
MacMurray of Wellsville, New York, Jean Switalski of Cuba, New York and Beverly
Grantier of Wellsville, New York, to the Citizens Advisory Council to the
Office for the Aging, with term of office for each commencing January 1, 2008
and expiring December 31, 2010, are confirmed.
Moved by: Mr. Truax Adopted: Voice Vote
Seconded by: Mr. Pullen
RESOLUTION
NO. 11-08
APPROVAL OF BOARD CHAIRMAN’S
APPOINTMENT AND
REAPPOINTMENT OF
REPRESENTATIVES TO
Offered by:
Ways and Means Committee
Pursuant to Local Law No. 2 of 1985
RESOLVED:
1. That the appointment by the Chairman of
this Board of the following individuals to serve as representatives to and
members of the Allegany County Development Advisory Board are approved: Deborah Clark, Education representative; Fred
Sinclair, Agriculture representative; John Corneby, Forests representative;
Craig Braack, Recreation/Tourism representative; Raymond DeTine, Barbara Deming
and Steve Havey, Industry representatives; Frederic Marks, Utilities
representative; William Hart, Small Business representative; Linda Clayson,
Banking representative; William Shuler, Real Estate representative; David
Fleming, Zena Andrus and Gretchen Hanchett, At Large representatives.
Moved by: Mr. Hall Adopted: Voice Vote
Seconded by: Mr. Reynolds
RESOLUTION
NO. 12-08
APPROVAL OF BOARD CHAIRMAN’S
REAPPOINTMENT OF FOUR MEMBERS TO REGION NINE FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD
Offered by: Ways and Means Committee
Pursuant to Environmental
Conservation Law § 11-0501
RESOLVED:
1. That the reappointment by the Chairman
of this Board of Dwight R. Fanton, to the Region Nine Fish and Wildlife
Management Board, as a Legislative Representative Member, and Douglas D.
Burdick as an Alternate Legislative Representative Member, with term of office
commencing January 1, 2008 and expiring December 31, 2009, are approved.
2. That the reappointment by the Chairman
of this Board of Derwood Say, to the Region Nine Fish and Wildlife Management
Board, as a Sportsmen’s Representative Member and John Lewis as an Alternate
Sportsmen’s Representative Member, with term of office commencing January 1,
2008 and expiring December 31, 2009, are approved.
Moved by: Mr. Reynolds Adopted: Voice Vote
Seconded by: Mr. McCormick
RESOLUTION
NO. 13-08
Offered by:
Ways and Means Committee
WHEREAS, a check in the amount of $412.55, representing the cost to
replace a broken window on a
RESOLVED:
1. That an insurance payment in the amount
of $412.55 from NYMIR representing the cost of replacing a broken window on a
2. That the sum of $412.55 is appropriated
to Account No. CS1931.429 (Risk Retention – Uninsured Property Loss) with a
like sum credited to Revenue Account No. CS07.2680 (Risk Retention – Insurance
Recovery).
Moved by: Mr. Reynolds Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. Hopkins 14
Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent
RESOLUTION
NO. 14-08
APPROVAL
OF AIR MEDICAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH
MERCY
FLIGHT, INC. FOR 2008
Offered by:
Human Services Committee
RESOLVED:
1.
That Air Medical Services Contract
between Mercy Flight, Inc. and the
2.
That the Chairman of this Board is
authorized to execute such contract.
Moved by: Mr. Truax Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. Pullen 14
Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent
(Memo: The Contract approved by Resolution No. 14-08
includes payment of $10,000, payable quarterly at a rate of $2,500, to offset
Mercy Flight’s costs to provide their invaluable air ambulance services to the
citizens of Allegany County. Ambulance
service is not reimbursable under state aid regulations; therefore, the total
$10,000 is the County’s responsibility.)
Comments made regarding Resolution No. 14-08: Mr. Pullen asked if this is a mandated expense,
although it is a crucial service. Mr.
Crandall responded that it is not.
RESOLUTION
NO. 15-08
APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH
ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY
HANDICAPPED, INC., IN RELATION TO THE RENDERING OF SERVICE, TRAINING OR AID TO
INDIGENT BLIND IN
Offered by:
Human Services Committee
Pursuant to
RESOLVED:
1. That
the Agreement in the amount of $7,500 between the County of Allegany and
Allegany County Association for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, Inc., in
relation to the rendering of service, training or aid to indigent blind in
Allegany County during 2008, is approved.
2. That the Chairman of this Board is
authorized to execute said Agreement in triplicate.
Moved by: Mr. Truax Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. Pullen 14
Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent
Comments made regarding Resolution No. 15-08: Mr. Pullen asked if this is a mandated
service. Mr. Truax responded that it is
not, but it is very appropriate.
RESOLUTION
NO. 16-08
APPROVAL
OF AGREEMENT WITH
VOLUNTEER
FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, INC.,
FOR
PAYMENT OF 2008 BUDGETARY APPROPRIATION
Offered by:
Public Safety Committee
Pursuant to
RESOLVED:
1.
That the Chairman of this Board is
hereby authorized to execute an agreement between the County of Allegany and
the Volunteer Firemen's Association of Allegany County, Inc. that shall provide,
in substance, (a) that the County of Allegany will disburse in advance to said Association the sum of $2,000 to be
used by said Association for the payment of expenses which it might incur
during 2008 in providing fire training schools for training firefighters, (b)
that said Association will render a verified account of such expenses on or
before December 31, 2008, with verified or certified vouchers therefor
attached, and (c) that any unused amount will be refunded to the County of
Allegany.
2.
That the
3. That the Treasurer of said Association shall
not be required to furnish a bond.
Moved by: Mr. Dibble Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. Truax 14
Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent
Comments made regarding Resolution No.
16-08: Mr. Dibble and Mr. Pullen
commented that the Volunteer Firemen’s Association is a very active group, and
their efforts are appreciated. Mr. Pullen
asked if it is a mandated service, to which Mr. Crandall and Mr. Margeson
responded that it is not.
RESOLUTION
NO. 17-08
APPROVAL AND RATIFYING FIVE
YEAR LEASE OF LAND OF
DUANE AND TERRY GELSER FOR
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PURPOSES
Offered by:
Public Works and Ways and Means Committees
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works desires to lease land for
its purposes, including, but not limited to, stockpiling of materials, now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED:
1. That Lease dated November 15, 2007,
between the County and Duane Gelser and Terry Gelser, for a term of five years
beginning January 15, 2008, is approved and ratified.
2. That the Chairman of this Board is
authorized to execute said Lease and to cause the recording of same in the
Allegany County Clerk’s Office.
Moved by: Mr. Fanton Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. McCormick 14
Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent
(Memo: The lease agreement approved by Resolution
No. 17-08 is for a term of five years beginning on January 15, 2008, at an
annual rent of $200, and is an extension of an existing agreement. The property, a little over one acre in size,
is located on
RESOLUTION
NO. 18-08
APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR PAYMENT OF 2008
BUDGETARY APPROPRIATION
Offered by:
Public Works Committee
RESOLVED:
1. That the Agreement between the
2. That the Chairman of this Board is
authorized to execute such Agreement.
3. That the County Treasurer, upon receipt
of a true copy of said Agreement, is authorized and directed to remit to said
Society the sum of $7,000 and charge Account No. A8752.4 therefor.
Moved by: Mr. Fanton Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. Reynolds 13
Ayes, 1 No, 1 Absent
Voting
No: McCormick
Comments made regarding Resolution No.
18-08: Mr. Dibble commented that the
Agricultural Society supports a great County Fair.
Mr. Pullen noted that he certainly supports
the Fair, and it is an appropriate expense, but asked if it is mandated. Chairman Crandall responded that it is not.
Mr. McCormick commented on the $7,000
appropriation for the County Fair and the fact that the other festivals in the
County don’t receive any help. He listed
a few of the others and questioned why they aren’t funded. Chairman Crandall pointed out that the other
festivals are still supported by the County with security services. Mr. McCormick noted that this resolution
appropriates public money to an umbrella corporation that’s privately funded,
and questioned if there was a financial statement from the Society that shows
they need the $7,000. He suggested the
matter be referred back to Committee.
Mr. Reynolds commented that he was not in favor of sending it back to
Committee. Chairman Crandall stated that
the County does receive an annual statement from the Agricultural Society.
Mr. Pullen noted the reason for his questions
on mandated services was that the state and federal governments mandate a lot
of programs that we probably wouldn’t fund if given the choice. That leaves us having to choose between which
non-mandated programs to fund, and if they are not funded, they would have to
be reduced or eliminated. The County Fair
is very important to many people, partially for its 4-H participation and educational
aspects. The difference between the Fair
and the other festivals is that the Fair is County-wide and the other festivals
don’t have the same degree of participation from the rest of the County. Where do we draw the line?
Mr. Kruger commented that he supported the
resolution, but Mr. McCormick raised legitimate questions on where the responsibility
of the Legislature begins and ends, regardless of whether programs are mandated
or not. It’s tough to say “no” when
you’ve said “yes” to someone else. Mr.
Kruger felt it was appropriate to look at the Agricultural Society’s statement
and identify their need. The County
certainly has a lot of places where money is needed, and this has piqued his
curiosity on the necessity of funding in the future.
Mr. Truax commented that the Fair may not be mandated,
but the expense is appropriate.
Mr. Hopkins reiterated that the County does
receive an annual statement, and his recollection is that the Society does not
have a large sum of money for operations from year to year.
RESOLUTION
NO. 19-08
APPROVAL OF AGREEMENTS WITH THE
THE DISPOSAL OF COUNTY LANDFILL LEACHATE AT
THE VILLAGE AND TOWN WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS;
AUTHORIZING BOARD CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE
AGREEMENTS
Offered by:
Public Works Committee
RESOLVED:
1. That Agreements between the
2. That the Chairman of this Board is
authorized to execute the Agreements.
Moved by: Mr. Fanton Adopted: Roll Call
Seconded by: Mr. Dibble 14
Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent
(Memo: The renewal agreements
for leachate disposal approved by Resolution No. 19-08 include a tipping fee of
$.025 per gallon.)
AUDITS:
A motion was made by
Legislator Truax, seconded by Legislator Dibble and carried, that the audits be
acted upon collectively and by totals.
A motion was made by
Legislator Truax, seconded by Legislator Pullen and adopted on a roll call vote
of 14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent, that the audit of claims, totaling $4,802,615.06
including prepaid expenses, be approved for payment as recommended by the
County Administrator. (
COMMENTS:
Mr. Reynolds read a
prepared statement including some figures quoted from a recent Gannett Newspaper
article:
“Cutting
expenses and lowering taxes is a desire of everyone on this Board. If you cut expenses, you must do away with
services. We all realize there are
burdens placed on county governments by unfunded mandates. Here are some facts from the Public Policy
Institute that help us understand why counties in
State-local
tax burden: $5,260 average per person,
highest in the country, and 53 percent of the national average.
Private
sector employment growth, 1996-2006:
Nine percent, 40th out of the 50 states. The national average is 14 percent.
Manufacturing
jobs: Dropped almost 29 percent between
1996 and 2006, a bigger drop than all states except
Cost
of doing business (measures wages, taxes, electricity, and real estate): Second to
Average
price of electricity in 2007: 14.54
cents per kilowatt-hour, fourth highest and 66 percent above the national
average of 8.77 cents.
Cost
of auto insurance in 2003: $1,161 on
average, second behind
Spending
by the state and local governments per person:
$11,375, second to
Per-pupil
spending on public schools in 2005:
$14,119, highest in the country and 62 percent above the national
average.
Classroom
teacher salaries in 2006: $57,354
average, sixth behind
Number
of state and local government workers per 1,000 people in 2003: 62, ninth highest in the country. Average wages of government workers in 2003: $51,445, second to
State
and local government debt per capita:
$11,377, third highest of any state and 71 percent above the national
average of $6,659.
Gasoline
taxes: 43.9 cents per gallon, third
highest and 55 percent above the national average of 28.4 cents.
Medicaid
spending per capita: $2,316, highest in
the country and 128 percent above the national average, but the expense was
flat this year.
Average
cost of health insurance in 2004 (family):
$10,397 per year, tenth highest.
Portion
of work force represented by labor unions in 2006: 24.4 percent, behind only
We
constantly search for ways to cut taxes, but we live in an environment that
makes that very difficult. And that
environment is called
Mr. Ungermann thanked
Chairman Crandall for writing the letter to Clark Patterson Lee thanking them
for their efforts relative to the County’s Court Facilities and other space
needs issues (a copy of the letter was given to each legislator).
Mr. Pullen noted that during
the meeting, he asked several questions about mandated services. Much of the information Mr. Reynolds touched
on in his article gives him the feeling,
as a taxpayer and as an attorney for several school districts, that the
state tells the schools 95 percent of what they have to do, but not how to
continue providing services. We have no
choice about a lot of things, but there are a number of issues we do have a
choice on that are valuable. Mr. Pullen suggested
having information available to the committee of jurisdiction and then included
in the memorandum of explanation for resolutions on whether a program is mandated
or not. Chairman Crandall felt this was
a good idea and could be taken care of at the committee level. Mr. Dibble noted that the memorandum of
explanation could include a box to check and the percentage of mandated
expense.
Mr. Dibble referred to
the real property tax exemption resolution and the comments made regarding people
leaving the state due to high taxes. We
should work as a Board to get the state to reduce Medicaid. If we can get the state to take over the
county share of Medicaid, it would relieve some of the burden.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 2:40
p.m.