TRR photo by David Hulse The Sullivan County Government Center looked like it was sitting on hill of gold last week as flowering dandelions covered much of the building's lawn. (Click for larger image)

MONTICELLO - The first hint of new budget discussions appeared last week as Sullivan legislators kicked around ideas for new tax cuts in planned multiyear budgeting scheme.

Saying initial cuts made in this year's budget did not go far enough, Steven Kurlander (RC-9) suggested that legislators look at planning for a five percent annual cut. "Let's shoot for 15 percent [over three years]. I know it's ludicrous, but it's a goal... I want to move ahead. I want to initiate something better," Kurlander said.

Leni Binder (D-7) warned that 60 to 70 percent of the budget is mandated by social services costs and is not negotiable. "We did the first reduction in decades... I have no objection to looking, but I don't want to put a number on it," she said.

Chairman Rusty Pomeroy (D-3) said it would not sit well if the legislature were to cut taxes five percent and then raise them by three percent the following year, "because you cut too much. Use some caution."