Community Press, December 2002 
 
 From a County Legislator 
by Walt Johnson

 As my first year as a county legislator approaches its end, I would like to reflect on the past year, its trials, tribulations, and lessons learned.
 While qualifying for the primary election I carried my petitions to over 320 people. Campaigning for both the primary and general elections, I visited yet another 400 homes. The voters expressed many different concerns to me. This must be why its called "running for office." On January 2nd of this year, I was sworn in and the real work began.

 I serve as chair of Administrative Services and as a member of Information Technology, Personnel and Agriculture committees.  Attending committee meetings and working with our professional department heads gave me insight into the operation of our county government.

 Among the accomplishments for this year include a dramatic increase in public communication on the part of the legislature. My columns in this paper are part of that communication process. Other elements of this communication are additional evening meetings of the legislature, as well as public meetings on various county subjects including the proposed new county office building. I'm committed to continuing and increasing the open conduct of county government.

 The 2003 budget was a very challenging process. For 2003, Tioga County has a budget of $75.7 million. Only $13.4 million or about 18% of this money comes from property taxes, up from $12.2 million for 2002. The sales tax adds approximately $6 million. The rest of the money comes from state and federal program funding, state and federal grants, fees for service, and private grants.

 Medicaid increased from $3.7 million to $6.2 million for 2003. Every county in New York is wrestling with how to pay the state for the ever-increasing unfunded mandates. New York is one of only two states who force their counties to pay 25% of this program.

 The budget has over 1800 line items. Social Services has over 500 items alone. This year, for the first time, the legislators went over each item, line by line to totally eliminate any unnecessary expense. On December 4, there will be a 7:00 pm public hearing on the budget.

 Other public meetings this month: Legislative Workshops December 5 and December 19 at 10:00 am, Twelfth Regular Meeting on December 10 at 6:00 pm..  This is your local government at work. 

 There are situations and problems that I can't alter by myself but I will not quit trying. I've enjoyed writing this column and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead.


 The Community Press
a free newspaper, published monthly
serving the Tioga County, New York, area
Copyright 2002 Brown Enterprise and Marketing