The Catskill Chronicle

To the Editor –

As Sullivan County Legislator, I have worked hard to send a message of bipartisanship and Open Government as a vital step in improving county governance. I have taken my responsibility to my constituents seriously spending countless hours researching areas of government needing oversight and accountability.

After many weeks in the Strategic Planning process I compiled recommendations for needed change. Change to protect the interests of our county taxpayers while maintaining compliance with the many state mandates and regulations. Recommendations aimed at reducing the tax burden especially in light of the increasing number of people losing their homes to foreclosure.

The simple reality is that government expenditures have surpassed much needed revenue. Revenue, not forthcoming in this economic climate, is dependent upon sales tax and escalating property tax. The result in 2011 was to utilize the county reserve fund to bridge a 7 million dollar gap which otherwise would have resulted in a 14% tax increase With efforts in 2012 to cover expected increases and a continuation of the current level of services, we once again face a 14% tax increase with depleted reserves.

Many hope for state mandate reform which accounts for most of the county challenges, however, this is not timely. Medicaid remains our top county expense which I have worked diligently to address waste and abuse which takes away from our goal of helping our county needy. After much research, I have submitted a list of recommendations for cost saving measures. Many address policies that need to be set and some that will downsize non- mandated portions of government. I have urged my colleagues to examine all options available to streamline government before passing the burden on to our taxpayers.

In closing, I was opposed to the override of the 2% tax cap as well as a double-digit tax increase as we have come to an impasse. There are tough decisions to be made to bring our fiscal house in order.

Public Hearings on the Tentative Budget for 2013 will be held on Tuesday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, December 11 at 12:00 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers of the Sullivan County Government Center, Monticello, NY.

Cindy Gieger

Sullivan County Legislator

District Five