The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY – Sullivan County Acting Manager Joshua Potosek has announced the filing of a tentative budget.

“Sullivan County has faced extreme budgetary challenges through the financial crisis over the past five years. As we approach the conclusion of 2013, the County is slowly beginning to improve financially.” This proposed budget is the first since the beginning of the recession that does not include drastic service cuts, layoffs, exorbitant tax increases, or the use of fund balance in the general fund, but instead maintains existing service levels and modestly builds capacity in a few key strategic areas.

" I am very encouraged by the submission of this budget. Last year was a very challenging year. I am proud of this legislature for their restraint and dedication that has allowed for this submission. We will, over the next sveral weeks continue to search for further cost saving measures and quite possibly bring the final budget in at or below the state mandated tax cap. It is the goal.” stated Scott Samuelson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature.

“The 2014 Tentative County Budget gives Sullivan County the ability to appropriate money for strategic investments for the future of Sullivan County,” stated Potosek. The recommended budget includes increased funding to support investments in economic development, public works, public safety, youth, agriculture, veterans, and flood remediation. “I feel that it is important to commit increased resources in these areas to improve our economy and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Sullivan County,” added Potosek.

“Overall I am happy with the direction the county is headed. I look forward to working diligently with my colleagues over the next nine weeks to examine the budget to see what can be done to keep the tax levy increase within the tax cap.” stated Kathleen LaBuda, Sullivan County Majority Leader and District 2 Legislator.

The 2014 Tentative County Budget proposes to increase the tax levy by 3.59% in order to maintain existing service levels, not appropriate fund balance, and to strategically invest in key strategic areas. This raises an additional $1,951,647 and equates to an approximate monthly increase of $3 for an average homeowner.

Compared to the 2013 Adopted Budget, the 2014 Tentative Budget anticipates $250,000 less in sales tax, an increase of $1,130,000 in health insurance contributions, and an increase of $893,000 in pension contributions. Together, these three items represent a potential $2,273,000 increase in the tax levy, well in excess of the 2.12% New York State allowable tax cap for Sullivan County.

“ Our efforts to hold the line on spending has improved the County’s financial health, but we need to continue to carefully scrutinize all expenditures in order to reduce the tax burden on property owners,” stated Alan Sorenson, Sullivan County Minority Leader and District 9 Legislator.

As other municipalities in New York have appropriated significant amounts of fund balance to remain within the tax cap, this budget does not. Appropriating fund balance at any level is not a sustainable practice and will eventually result in future tax increases far in excess of the tax cap. It is fiscally prudent to maintain the county’s level of fund balance at or above the recommended threshold of five percent of General Fund Expenditures as set by the Sullivan County Legislature.

To view the 2014 Tentative Sullivan County Budget please visit:

http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/CountyofSullivanTentativeBudget_2014.pdf