The Catskill Chronicle

Proposed Tax Levy Less than the Tax Cap; Homeowners to Receive Rebate Equal to their Increase in Taxes; Addresses Critical Infrastructure Needs Facing the County

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (October 21, 2015) – Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek issued the following statement: “The 2016 Tentative Budget proposes a tax levy increase less than what is allowed under the New York State tax cap law.  This budget maintains vital services that are needed in the community and is achieved in a fiscally responsible manner while maintaining our fund balance levels at a level recommended by rating agencies and by our own Fund Balance Policy.”

2016 Tentative Budget Fiscal Summary

• Total Budgetary Appropriations: $207,471,547

• Property Tax Levy: $57,471,954

• Property Tax Levy Increase: 1.58%

• County Property Tax Rate Increase: 0.93%
  • Less than the tax levy increase due to an increase in taxable assessed value

• Increase in tax liability for $100,000 of assessment: $10

New York State Tax Cap Rebate Program: Under the proposed budget all STAR eligible homeowners would receive a check from New York State equal to their increase in taxes.

• Sales Tax Anticipation: $37 million
  

“I am extremely pleased with the Tentative Budget that the County Manager has presented to the Legislature for review.  The proposed increase in funding to support county road and bridge infrastructure improvements, the continuation of the Plans and Progress Small grants program, and the addition of staff to ensure the effectiveness of services to our most vulnerable citizens and many other new initiatives is an exceptional place to start,” stated Scott Samuelson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature. “I would like to applaud County Manager Josh Potosek along with the Office of Management and Budget and staff for all their hard work and for once again delivering a tentative budget under the State mandated Tax Cap,” added Samuelson.

“Our office is pleased to provide the Legislature and the public with the new budget layout this year. It has been enhanced to provide its reader with a better understanding of County government operations, the issues the County officials are currently facing, how they are addressing those issues and how decisions for the County are made,” added Potosek.

“This budget reflects the needs of all of our County residents.  The additional funding for infrastructure is encouraging, and while the budget is a work in progress and there is still much to be done the 2016 Tentative Budget provides a great foundation to build upon,” stated Kathleen LaBuda, Sullivan County Majority Leader and District 2 Legislator.

“While I still need time to review all the details, I feel the 2016 Tentative Budget strikes the balance of providing funding for critical infrastructure improvements and services for those in need, while holding the line on ounty taxes,” stated Alan Sorensen, Sullivan County Minority Leader and District 9 Legislator.

Potosek added, “I strongly believe that the initiatives that I have outlined and included in the 2016 Tentative Budget will help to improve the quality of life of our community. I look forward to working with the Sullivan County Legislature to see these projects through to fruition.”

To view the 2016 Tentative Sullivan County Budget please visit:

http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/CountyofSullivanTentativeBudget_2016_Executive_Summary.pdf

http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/CountyofSullivanTentativeBudget_2016_Detail.pdf

http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/Capital_Budget_2016-2021_Tentative.pdf