Schuyler continues to see revenue growth

Schuyler continues to see revenue growth

SCHUYLER COUNTY--The Schuyler County legislature met Monday, Feb. 13, for the regularly scheduled monthly meeting. More than two dozen motions were passed. In the county administrator's presentation, Fonda Chronis explained that he and the county treasurer are meeting to consider investment options to make sure the county maximizes its return on cash and takes advantage of higher interest rates.
Chronis also offered brief comments on the recently released state executive budget, noting that three areas may cause issues for the county: the pass-through Federal Affordable Care Act Enhanced Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage Funds; the raise in the hourly rate for assigned counsel, which went from $60 per hour to $190; and new rules regarding foreclosures that require overages above and beyond what was owed to be returned to the original owner. Chronis indicated that a letter outlining these concerns has been sent to the governor's office.
During his report, Chronis spoke about sales tax and bed tax revenue. Sales tax revenue in January 2023 was up 16.6 percent. Bed tax for 2022 was up almost 10 percent. This money will be split between the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, an economic development fund, and the county. The Chamber's share is $764,000; approximately $330,000 is earmarked for economic development opportunities; and approximately $60,000 will be directed to the county for administrative responsibilities. Bed tax is collected by lodgers in Schuyler County and remitted to the county.
Legislator Michael Lausell reported on a new committee that is meeting weekly. Schuyler County is one of only five counties nationwide, according to Lausell, to be invited to participate in a federally funded grant program to improve "walkability" throughout the county. Representatives from public health, the office of the aging, the planning department, the transportation department, veterans affairs, and the legislature are meeting weekly to discuss ideas that will improve walking options in communities.
"We need a comprehensive approach to making communities more walkable," said Lausell. "Walking is good for a person's health, helps people socialize, and helps people become less dependent on vehicles."