WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE

May 23, 2011

** NOT APPROVED **

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Committee Members Present

T. Hopkins, D. Fanton, D. Burdick, M. Healy, K. LaForge, D. Pullen, F. Sinclair, and C. Crandall (Absent: T. O’Grady)

Others Present

M. Alger, D. Cady, P. Curran, L. Edwards, L. Gridley, J. Margeson, A. McGraw, B. Riehle, T. Ross, K. Toot, N. Ungermann

Ways & Means Committee Chairman Theodore Hopkins called the meeting to order at 1 p.m.

Municipal Bid on Tax Sale Parcel

At the May 18 Ways & Means Committee meeting, County Treasurer Terri Ross presented a municipal offer from the Town of Genesee on a tax sale parcel assessed to Susan W. Cartwright, Tax Map #284.-1-19. The Town of Genesee originally offered $786.43 to cover taxes and recording costs, but it was discovered that $838.83 would be needed to cover those costs. Ms. Ross received a new letter from the Town of Genesee indicating that they would pay the $838.83. A motion was made by Legislator Fanton and seconded by Legislator Healy to accept the offer so the issue could be discussed. Legislator Norman Ungermann asked Ms. Ross what the parcel might bring in a tax sale, and what the Town of Genesee wants the property for. Ms. Ross stated that the Town of Genesee’s letter did not indicate what they planned to use the property for, but she believes they plan to tear the house down. It is currently assessed at $28,000. A motion was made by Legislator Burdick, seconded by Legislator LaForge and carried to table the matter until the next meeting (Voting No: F. Sinclair) so that Ms. Ross can request the Town of Genesee to put their intentions in writing. Tabled Until June 13, 2011

Mandate Relief

Committee members reviewed a resolution from Chautauqua County requesting real mandate relief. The resolution states that the task force that Governor Andrew Cuomo established to evaluate and recommend mandate relief in New York State provided no relief through the recently passed budget. NYSAC presented the Governor with a list of 211 mandate reforms that would provide significant mandate relief while encouraging further mandate reform, and the state did not recognize or consider any of their suggestions. Ways & Means Committee Chairman Theodore Hopkins stated that the Governor has used state money to advertise the proposed property tax cap to convince taxpayers that this will bring relief. Everyone is in favor of capping property taxes, but it cannot be done without mandate relief. We need to cut spending. A motion was made by Legislator Hopkins, seconded by Legislator Healy and carried to sponsor a similar resolution using Allegany County figures for the mandated programs. Prepare Resolution
Audit

Committee members reviewed the May 23, 2011, audit of claims in the amount of $3,573,612.96 (including prepaid bills).  A motion was made by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator Fanton, and carried to forward the audit to the full Board for approval of payment.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the committee, a motion was made by Legislator Hopkins, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried to adjourn the meeting at approximately 1:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Brenda Rigby Riehle, Clerk of the Board

Allegany County Board of Legislators