The Catskill Chronicle

To the Editor:

It seems that there is never a day that goes by without a “Dear John” comment being crafted by the Legislature Chair and County Manager for Sullivan County. Yes, the economy is in the tank, and in Sullivan County, lacking any real industry, we all feel it. The following discussion is based upon information from various newspaper articles. I will assume that the numbers quoted reflect all contractual obligations with benefits for the coming year.

The County first reduced the budget revenue shortfall with a hiring freeze and by eliminating unfilled positions, allowing for a savings of $1.7 million. The revenue shortfall is now $2.7 to $3.1 million, an additional $1-1.4M over the previous savings. This includes, I assume, the total costs per employee of base salary, employer’s responsibility for Social Security, Medicare, health insurance and retirement.

The County is proposing to eliminate 100 jobs, about 10% of its 1100 person workforce. So I ask, “Is there a more humane and saner way to protect 100 families from JOB LOSS TRAMUA?”  Job loss results in no health coverage, possible home foreclosure, bankruptcy and the possible humiliation of applying for food stamps and/or welfare, saving the county little..

This $1-1.4 million revenue shortfall equals $17-$24 per week per employee paycheck. Reduce the amount by 30% to 40% for fringe benefits, and you are looking at approximately $11 – $16 dollars per week before taxes.

To save 100 families from JOB LOSS TRAUMA requires leadership, and it has to start from the top. Here are some suggestions:

• The County Manager and department heads should forgo raises.
• All employees who earn six-figure incomes should take a pay cut.
• County Legislators should take a $1000 cut in their base pay and a 10% reduction in stipends.
• Legislative chair should take an additional thousand dollar reduction.

By leading, they can go to the other county employees and propose the following:

• Middle-management personnel asked to forgo raises.
• All employees forgo any contractual scheduled raises for the next year.

Where else can the County reduce the taxpayer’s obligation?

The County is obligated to Sullivan County Community College’s present budget year for approximately $4 million. This decision was entered into before the latest dire economic forecast. While obligated, the legislators should meet with the college trustees to review the following:

• Student enrollment is higher than projected, therefore increasing anticipated income. The difference should reduce the County’s obligation.
• From the college audit and tax documents, the Community College has loaned the Dormitory Authority $2.5 million. Some of this money should be transferred back to the college, reducing the counties obligation.
• The College should institute the leadership qualities as mentioned above for County personnel.

This would not have any impact on the education provided to the students.

If these suggestions are implemented, not one county employee and their family will have to experience “JOB LOSS TRAUMA.” What better way to serve the constituents of the county?

Kenneth Walter

Grahamsville, NY