Archive: News

Legislature Adopts 2019 Financial Goal, Fiscal Guidelines for Departments and Agencies
In two resolutions approved tonight, the Tompkins County Legislature approved a 2019 tax levy goal and spending targets for 2019. The tax levy resolution directs County Administrator Jason Molino to prepare a recommended operating and capital budget that can be supported with a tax levy increase of 2.2%, an increase that is beneath the County's estimated 2019 tax cap of 2.87%. Both the tax levy guideline and the spending targets for departments and County agencies to use in preparing their budgets were approved by unanimous votes. (Legislator Leslyn McBean-Clairborne was excused.)

County Administrator Jason Molino expects that the 2.2% increase in the County's property tax levy, which by policy includes a 0.5% increase dedicated to capital improvements identified in the County's Capital program, will support a maintenance-of-effort budget for County departments, and address certain other critical needs and priorities. As in the past, departments and agencies will have the ability to request funding in excess of their 2019 spending targets, allowing the Legislature to consider exceeding the Administrator's Recommended Budget. Departments and agencies must submit their 2019 budget requests to the County Administrator by July 13.

The $1.08 million increase in the levy would represent an estimated increase of $13.00 for the owner of a median-valued $178,000 county home. The approved fiscal targets hold targets steady for County departments and include a 2% increase in target for not-for-profit County agencies.

Funding Approved for 'Raise the Age' Consulting Services
Following up authorization last month for Tompkins County to participate in a multi-county "Raise the Age" Compliance Coalition, Legislators, without dissent, authorized the County to enter into an agreement with Treahy Consultation Services (TCS) for a collaborative study, and appropriated $15,000 from the Contingent Fund to support the County's portion of the cost. (Legislator Leslyn McBean-Clairborne was excused.) The Coalition-sponsored study will assess detention needs of the counties under the "Raise the Age" mandate and identify potential regional sites or sites that could be renovated or developed to provide both secure and specialized secure detention for the counties, as the legislation requires for 16- and 17-year-old youth, who may no longer be incarcerated with adults. The first phase of the RTA requirement takes effect as of October 1.

Future Annual Salaries Established for Positions of Sheriff and County Clerk
The Legislature, in two separate unanimous votes, established the annual salaries for the upcoming term for the positions of Sheriff and County Clerk. (Legislator Leslyn McBean-Clairborne was excused.) The resolutions note the current 2018 salaries of $97,362.06 for the Sheriff and $79,062.24 for the County Clerk, and specify that the percentage salary increase for each position shall be the same as the percentage increase (if any) for the County's Management group for the years 2019 through 2022.


Among other business,

• The Legislature scheduled a public hearing on the requested 2018-2019 Tompkins Cortland Community College operating budget. The hearing will be held June 19th, 5:30 p.m., at County Legislature Chambers, located in the Governor Daniel D. Tompkins Building, 121 E. Court Street, Ithaca.
• The Legislature approved renewal of the intermunicipal agreement between Tompkins and Schuyler Counties for the provision of Assigned Counsel services. The new agreement is in effect through the end of 2020, with the option of one five-year renewal.
• Legislature Chair Martha Robertson proclaimed May 2018 as General Aviation Appreciation Month in Tompkins County, noting that general aviation supports New York's economy, improves the overall quality of life, and represents an important public benefit.
• Chair Robertson also proclaimed May 2018 as Community Action Month, recognizing Tompkins Community Action 's essential contribution to individuals in Tompkins County through its work over its 52-year history, and noting that Tompkins County, New York State, and the entire United States must continue to wage war on poverty by providing support and opportunities for all.

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