2014 budget shows 1.59 percent levy increase

SCHUYLER COUNTY—Schuyler County Chairman Dennis Fagan announced Monday, Oct. 21 during the regular meeting of the legislature the 2014 tentative budget contains a tax levy increase of 1.59 percent. Fagan added this number is likely to increase, however, as there are some items the county needs to put back into the budget. Fagan said the county should end up “slightly more than 2 percent” and will be “well within our allotted tax cap.” The legislature also held a budget workshop session Tuesday, Oct. 22 to make changes to the proposed 2014 budget.
The 2014 budget discussion was not listed on the agenda until a question was posed by resident Alan Hurley about what the tax levy increase was going to be in 2014. Fagan retrieved the number, saying it was 1.59 but likely to increase to slightly more than 2 percent. O’Hearn said Schuyler County does its budgeting with a combination of line-item and analytical budgeting.
Hurley also spoke about the county treasurer proposition, saying the legislators have ignored the need to hire an accountant to help the treasurer over the years. He said he does not believe the county should appoint a treasurer and it should remain an elected position.
“I question all the management in this county on choosing a treasurer,” Hurley said.
Fagan said the county has already budgeted $60,000 to hire another person to work in the department to react to the concerns of the audit.
In other business:
• The legislature voted against a measure to support a proposition allowing casino gaming in New York State. Fagan said this was in protest to the proposed closing of the Monterey Shock Incarceration Facility as well as the pushing through of the Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act. Fagan said casino gaming also contributes to adverse social and economic impacts in a region.
• The legislature tabled a resolution appointing a highway superintendent until their November meeting.
• O’Hearn said the work on the public works facility moving ahead very well. He said the project is “ahead of schedule and under budget,” and that weather permitting the roof should be finished this week. He said there should not be any issues meeting the deadlines.
• The board set a public hearing for Tuesday, Nov. 12 for the setting of salaries for certain public officers for the year 2014. O’Hearn said this is a 3 percent increase.