Monticello, NY – All nine legislators gave their assent today to the 2018 Sullivan County Budget, which proposes to spend just over $226 million yet stay under the state-mandated property tax cap with a projected tax levy increase of 2.3%.
“This is a conscientious budget, taking into account the needs of both our staff and our taxpayers,” remarked Legislature Chairman Luis Alvarez. “I thank everyone who worked toward that goal.”
“There was a tremendous amount of hard work which went into the crafting of this budget,” affirmed District 1 Legislator Scott Samuelson, chairman of the Management & Budget Committee. “Both the Office of Management and Budget and the Legislature took the time to ensure our 2018 spending plan watches out for the best interests of our citizens and our employees.”
“We all worked very hard to keep this budget under the tax cap, while also providing the services our public deserves and demands,” added Legislature Vice Chair Nadia Rajsz.
“I’m particularly gratified we could continue to support and enhance the good work undertaken by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County,” said District 9 Legislator Alan Sorensen, referring to the addition of $45,000 to the $415,000 the Extension received in 2017, for a total of $460,000 in 2018.
“I’m very pleased to say this was a diligent, bipartisan effort,” explained District 8 Legislator Ira Steingart. “We agreed to a fiscally responsible, forward-looking budget for 2018.”
“We stayed under the tax cap, and I’m very happy with this budget,” stated District 4 Legislator Catherine Owens.
“I’m glad to see it pass with unanimous support,” agreed District 3 Legislator Mark McCarthy. “I thank my colleagues and our staff for all their efforts.”
“There were some items I disagreed with,” noted District 7 Legislator Joe Perrello, preferring the County fund rather than bond for road repairs, “but we had to make some tough decisions going forward. Hopefully next year will be more prosperous for Sullivan County.”
“It was challenging to develop a budget without knowing what future revenue will be from the soon-to-open casino,” acknowledged District 5 Legislator Terri Ward. “But I’m really proud of how we all worked together amidst the challenges.”
“I am grateful to legislators for passing a 2018 budget which largely reflects what I proposed in October,” said County Manager Josh Potosek. “We avoided a large tax increase without reducing jobs or services, and so the County is well-positioned for the incredible growth coming our way in the new year.”
Budget Highlights
• Total Appropriations: $226,150,639
• Projected Tax Levy Increase: 2.3% (underneath the state-mandated property tax cap)
• Authorized:
o $3.2 million in serial bonds for road reconstruction
o $40,000 for a new playground at one of the County’s parks (location to be determined)
o $1.14 million in serial bonds for replacing roof and windows at Government Center
o $10 million in serial bonds for bridge reconstruction
o $670,000 in serial bonds for construction equipment purchases
• No layoffs, no raises, no service cuts