The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY, NY (December 11, 2012) – Over forty people attended a workshop on the tentative 2013 Sullivan County Budget last Thursday night at the La Polt Senior Center in Liberty. 

The session was hosted by the Sullivan County Legislators, with Legislative Chair Scott Samuelson, Kathy La Buda (District 2), Kitty Vetter (District 3), Cindy Kurpil Gieger (District 5), Cora Edwards (District 6) and Gene Benson (District 7) in attendance. The session was moderated by Legislator Gieger.  

County Manger David Fanslau made a presentation on the overall appropriations of the $195 million dollar tentative budget and the impact of state mandates. Edwards made a presentation on the discretionary portion of budget and the breakdown of property tax allocations. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session , and a comment period.

Questions ranged from what criteria the IDA uses to allocate tax abatements, to suggestions on cutting costs at the County Jail and how to reduce the projected 13.77% property tax levy increase prior to the December 20, 2012 deadline.

In her opening statement, Edwards, who represents portions of Liberty and Hurleyville, said "No one wants an increase of 13.77% and we are working hard to find ways to reduce the final tax increase. We owe it to the public to show how taxes are being appropriated, and get direct feedback from taxpayers on where cuts can be made on discretionary, optional programs."

The feedback forms are available on the Sullivan County Website at: www.co.sullivan.ny.us.

You may also email your comments to:  budgetfeedback2013@co.sullivan.ny.us