Gunther opposes feed tax boost

ALBANY, NY — Proposals have been put forward to double the New York State tonnage tax on feed ingredients and commercial feed distributed in New York, and to eliminate the small-feed mill-exemption. The proposals are opposed by New York State Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther (D, C, I – Forestburgh), who met with members of the agricultural community recently to discuss her position with them.

“Our dairy and livestock industry cannot afford another tax,” Gunther said. “Feed manufacturers will have to add this tax to their costs while trying to remain competitive. And, of course, this tax will most likely be passed along to the dairy and livestock farmers when they can least afford it.”

BOCES gets planning grant

LIBERTY, NY — The New York State Department of State has awarded a $50,000 High Priority Planning Grant to the Sullivan County Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to lead a joint effort to explore the feasibility of achieving efficiencies in the provision of central business office (CBO) services.

The grant will enable BOCES, along with seven of the eight Sullivan County school districts (Tri-Valley chose not to participate), to contract with a consultant who will conduct an assessment of their current business office functions, and evaluate whether combining those functions could achieve cost savings.

As part of the analysis, the consultant will identify what districts would benefit from joining the CBO, the services recommended for inclusion, and the cost benefit to support their findings. The consultant will also develop a model for the central business office.

Cleanup grants available

LIBERTY, NY — Applications are now available for matching grants to help municipalities remove derelict, unsightly and unsafe structures; clean up roadside sites; and institute anti-littering campaigns. Funding of up to $5,000 for each project comes through the Sullivan Renaissance Municipal Cleanup Grant program. The deadline for filing the applications is Monday, March 30.

Grants for local anti-litter campaigns are new this year, and can cover litter-pluck equipment, litter deterrent and enforcement projects and public education.

Private property owners wishing to participate in building removal projects should contact their local code enforcement officer or building inspector to inquire about sponsoring an application. Only towns and villages are eligible to apply for these grants.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation. Additional funding is secured by senator John Bonacic and assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.

For more information visit www.sullivanrenaissance.org or call 845/295-2462.

Gas cards available for job seekers

ALBANY, NY — Thirty-four rural counties in New York State, including Sullivan County, have been approved to participate in an initiative to make gas cards available to unemployed job seekers. The money for the project comes from federal funds allocated to New York State under the Workforce Investment Act. The cards are intended to help the unemployed with transportation costs as they look for work, go to job interviews or use employment services available at their local career center.

“Unemployed workers in rural counties face unique difficulties in their job hunt. This help is important during this tough economic time. These cards are an example of real help getting to those most in need during this crisis,” said New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D, C, I - Forestburgh).

The Sullivan County Center for Workforce Development will provide $25 gas cards for clients enrolled in its programs who are seeking employment. For more information call 845/791-8500.

Hearing on PA power line to be held

BUSHKILL, PA — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on the proposed Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line siting application filed by PPL Electric Utilities Corp. The proposed line is about 101 miles long and travels through portions of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties.

Administrative Law Judge Susan D. Colwell will conduct the hearings at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20 at Top of the World, 1125 Saw Creek Estates in Bushkill. Members of the public are welcome to attend and provide comments. Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision.

Those who wish to speak should prepare what they have to say ahead of time, make copies of any written statements and sign in to testify when they arrive. They will be asked to swear to the truth of their testimony and may be questioned.

For more information visit www.puc.state.pa.us.

Home sales tank

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Single-family home sales and prices plunged in February from the same month a year earlier, according to data from the county’s board of realtors.

The number of sales fell by about 50 percent, while the median price dropped from $153,250 to $111,750, or 27.1 percent.

According to Michele Tsaptsinos of the Sullivan County Multiple Listing Service, the banks are not lending on second homes currently, and are asking for extremely large down payments.

David Knudsen of www.catskill4sale.com reports that although the prices of completed transactions have dropped sharply, asking prices are for the most part staying high.