The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (November 12, 2014) – Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek has filed the 2015 tentative county budget, and issued the following statement: “The 2015 Tentative Budget is fiscally responsible in that it proposes a tax levy increase that is less than what is allowed under the New York State tax cap law. This is accomplished without having relied upon one-shot revenue sources, including not appropriating any fund balance from the General Fund for the third consecutive year. This budget also maintains vital services that are needed in the community.”

2015 Tentative Budget Fiscal Summary

· Total Budgetary Appropriations: $201,482,165

· Property Tax Levy: $56,838,475

· Property Tax Levy Increase: 2.23%

· County Property Tax Rate: $11.13 per thousand

· Property Tax Rate Increase: 1.7% – Less than the tax levy increase due to an increase in taxable assessed value

· Increase in tax liability for $100,000 of assessment: $19

· 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: $35 million

"County Manager Josh Potosek along with the Office of Management and Budget and staff have delivered a tentative budget within the proposed guideline requests of the legislature and once again coming in under the State mandated Tax Cap. There is still work that may be done, but as a starting place, we couldn’t be more pleased." stated Scott Samuelson, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature.

“The 2015 Tentative County Budget proposes the creation of a local grant initiative program. There are numerous times throughout the year that the County becomes aware of proposed projects in the community that align with county goals. These projects often struggle with advancing their projects from concept to an implementation phase due to a lack of funding. The budget includes $100,000 to be distributed as a competitive grant, to assist projects that align with strategic priorities of the County” added Potosek.

“Overall I am happy with the direction the county is headed.” stated Kathleen LaBuda, Sullivan County Majority Leader and District 2 Legislator. “I believe that this will be a budget that our constituents’ will be pleased with and over the next nine weeks we will continue to work diligently to examine the budget to protect their best interests.” added LaBuda.

“Our efforts to hold the line on spending has improved the County’s financial health as evidenced by our increasing fund balance levels and our strong bond rating.” stated Alan Sorensen, Sullivan County Minority Leader and District 9 Legislator “We need to continue to carefully scrutinize all expenditures in order to reduce the tax burden on property owners.” added Sorensen.

Potosek added, “Despite this good news, there is still a major challenge facing the County. The County’s road and bridge infrastructure requires significant investments in the coming years. The status quo cannot be sustained when it comes to funding our local road and bridge infrastructure. I am recommending that addressing this issue be a top priority in upcoming years.”

To view the 2015 Tentative Sullivan County Budget please visit:

http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/CountyofSullivanTentativeBudget_2015.pdf