Community Press, October 2002 
 
Town and County Government Watch
by Donald Castellucci, Jr.

Town of Owego
• The fall brush pick-up will begin on October 15.  

• The Main Street Bridge is scheduled to be completed by October 31.

• The Frederick Drive project is scheduled to be completed by October 31.

• The November Town Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 6 at 4:00 pm. The change is due to Election Day.

• The preliminary budget was voted on at the last board meeting. By state law it must be adopted in November.  There will be a Public Hearing on October 15 at our evening board meeting. This year's increase is attributed to several factors, the most prevalent being an anticipated 34% increase in health benefit costs, a required higher contribution into the NYS retirement system, and an increase in workers compensation cost by about 13%. Fortunately the mortgage tax revenue was higher than budgeted due to refinancing and the closing on the Stagecoach Field Gas Storage Project. This prevented any inevitable increase from being larger.  

 Having stated the above, residents will have to determine next year whether or not the $330,000 spent on the reassessment project and the $60,000 budgeted this year for possible lawsuits due to the reassessment was worth the increase in the budget. 

Tioga County
• The Tioga Business Show experienced another successful year.  Over 100 participants set up their displays for networking between business and the public.

• Again there is talk about the county forming an Environmental Management Council (EMC). We are told this board is advisory in nature and can help legislators make informed decisions.  It is anticipated to cost approximately $1300.  

 In my opinion there is not a need for any more boards even if the cost is "minimal." $1300 dollars here and $300 there and we may be talking about real money-- especially when properties are coming off the tax rolls to build the county office complex.  The last thing our local economy needs is placing potential business opportunities in jeopardy because some "unelected advisory board" is advising the legislature. For those who do not know, businesses go through hoops already with local codes, state environmental review, and DEC and EPA regulations. How much more review do we need? One legislator stated "Quality of Life" issues would play a role in the 2004 elections. I agree! If we keep taxing people to death and not allow businesses that are not a "perfect" fit with the environment -- then there will be no one around to vote. There is middle ground on these issues and most times quality of life issues are mitigated in a responsible equitable manner. Another board is overkill, a waste of money, and a possible deterrent to business. My calls to some Broome County Legislators found not everyone thinks the EMC board is a great thing. Call your legislator and tell them. 


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