Sullivan tentative budget presented

Austere budget, no tax increases

By FRITZ MAYER

MONTICELLO, NY — The sales tax increase won’t provide as much revenue as anticipated, but it’s enough to forestall a real estate tax increase.

That was the message from county manager David Fanslau on November 15 when he presented his tentative 2008 budget for Sullivan County. He said the half percent increase in sales tax that the county received in June was initially expected to bring in about $6 million in additional revenue to the county coffers. But, in part because of the slow economy, that figure had been pared down to $4.6 million.

Still, the budget complies with the terms of an agreement worked out between Fanslau and state Senator John Bonacic that the county would not seek an increase in real estate taxes, except in the case of a disaster, for the next two years if Bonacic agreed to the sales-tax increase.

In talking with reporters, Fanslau called the budget “austere” and said one thing that is not included in the budget is funding for bridge improvements that are not covered by federal or state grants. Bridges in the county have been hit hard in the past few years because of flooding. There is, however, some funding for other flooding issues: $175,000 is going to the Endangered Property Protection Program and $60,000 is going to the stream-maintenance program.

There are no county lay-offs in the tentative budget, but Fanslau has recommended to all county departments that overtime be strictly prohibited, except in the adult care center, the county jail, the sheriff’s patrol and E-911 operations, and that in the excepted departments, overtime not exceed the amount budgeted. He said this provision could save the county $600,000 in the coming year.

Lawmaker Jonathan Rouis, chairman of the budget and finance committee, said the tentative budget was a good start, but that some areas need closer inspection. Among them, lawmakers need to closely examine the bridge and road program to ensure that the county’s infrastructure is being adequately addressed.

Lawmakers will vote on the final budget on December 20.