Proposed 2010 county budget revealed during public hearing

TIOGA COUNTY, N.Y. - In spite of cuts that affected 10 county positions located throughout various departments, and an overall projected spending decrease of $1,167,012, the Tioga County Budget Officer and Treasurer, James McFadden, announced during a public budget hearing held Tuesday evening in Owego, N.Y. that a decrease in revenues will still result in an overall tax levy increase of 4.55 percent, or $863,447.

The projected loss of revenues in the amount of $1,230,459 has offset the decrease in proposed spending, according to McFadden. Some of the largest revenue losses are projected to result from non-property taxes, reductions in State aid, and loss in jail revenue.

Also within the 2010 budget, according to McFadden, the tax levy for recycling in the solid waste budget has increased from $796,594 to $828,403, an increase of 3.99 percent for 2010.

McFadden explained before the meeting that the estimated increase in solid waste was based on an anticipated decrease in revenue for 2010 at the transfer station, and is based on the state of the economy.

"People aren't tearing things out and remodeling homes in this economy," said McFadden. "This is bringing down the revenue at the transfer station." McFadden was unsure whether the recent NYS Department of Environmental Conservation law banning open burning throughout New York State would offset this anticipated decrease in revenue at the transfer station.

McFadden also noted, during the presentation of the budget at the hearing, that although a 4.55 percent increase is being proposed, that the increase in tax rates will vary from town to town and village to village due to state established equalization rates.

Based on the equalization rates, and if the proposed budget is adopted by the legislature, the following towns and villages would see the noted increase in their county tax rate: Barton would see a decrease of 5.95 percent; Berkshire would see a decrease of 3.36 percent; Candor would see an increase of 3.65 percent; Newark Valley would see an increase of 5.30 percent; Nichols would see a decrease in 3.10 percent; Owego would see an increase of 3.29 percent; Richford would see a decrease of 5.09 percent; Spencer would see an increase of 5.35 increase; and Tioga would see an increase of 3.57 percent.

The recycling tax rate for each town and village, also based on equalization rates, would be as follows for 2010 if the budget is adopted: Barton would see a decrease of 5.95 percent; Berkshire would see a decrease of 3.36 percent; Candor would see an increase of 3.65 percent; Newark Valley would see an increase of 5.30 percent; Nichols would see a decrease of 3.10 percent; Owego would see an increase of 3.29 percent; Richford would see a decrease of 5.09 percent; Spencer would see an increase of 5.35 percent; and Tioga would see an increase of 3.57 percent.

George Penney, of Apalachin, N.Y., applauded the legislature for decreasing county spending by over one million dollars. But he didn't see how, at this time, taxes could be increased when there are a number of people facing foreclosure within the community. Penney also questioned, after the meeting, why some of the $8,000,000 in Tioga County's General Reserve Fund couldn't be utilized to balance the budget without imposing an increase on taxpayers.

Marilee Geibel, from the Town of Owego, questioned employee contributions to health and dental benefits. She wondered if their contribution increased along with the cost of the benefits. She also showed concern for senior citizens who did not receive an increase in benefits.

Bridget Kane, from the Village of Owego, questioned why spending in benefits distributed through social services decreased, yet the amount spent for general government to provide the service increased. McFadden responded to clarify that the social services department did make cuts in their general funds, and it was about three percent of their budget.

McFadden also noted that four officers were also cut from the road patrol throughout the process, and that was one of the reasons why a security company was recently approved to be contracted to provide security at the human services building.

Prior to Tuesday night's meeting, McFadden was also questioned about the cost of the Calvin Harris trial, and if two trials and fees paid to Dr. Henry Lee, a famed forensics blood spatter expert who provided expert testimony, caused an increase to the overall budget.

McFadden noted that each year the district attorney projects his budget based on upcoming trials and expenses, and that the Calvin Harris Trial fell within his budget. He further noted that the only large expenses derived from the trial were the cost of transcripts, which were approximately $6,000, and the fee for Dr. Henry Lee which was approximately $6,000.

"The cost of the last trial was somewhere between $12,000 and $14,000," said McFadden. He also noted that the investigations performed throughout the duration of both trial proceedings, as well as any overtime required for investigators, was paid for by New York State.

The Tioga County Legislature will review the public comments given at Tuesday night's meeting and then will vote to either adopt the budget, or decrease it, during their Legislative meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Tioga County Legislative auditorium located at 56 Main St. in Owego. "The budget can't go up," stated the Tioga County Legislative Chair, Dale Weston. Legislator Dick Huttleston said that the budget could be lowered if they discover additional revenue that they didn't know they had, but it won't go up.

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