BUDGET COMMITTEE
August 14, 2018
Real Property Tax
– 2019 Budget Review
Real Property Tax Director Joe Budinger attended the meeting
to discuss his 2019 Budget requests for the Real Property Tax Department
(A1355). Committee Chairman Curran asked why A1355.1267.00 (Tax Map Change Fee)
has decreased. Mr. Budinger stated tax map sales have trended down for the last
few years so they are trying to bring that account in line with projections. Mr.
Curran asked if it’s easier for people to get them online, and Mr. Budinger
stated, yes, more are being requested online, rather than coming into the
office and requesting a physical copy.
County Clerk –
2019 Budget Review
Deputy County Clerk II Jessica Lynch attended the meeting to
discuss the 2019 Budget requests for the County Clerk’s Office (A1410). Ms.
Ross noted that the County Clerk’s Office is also a revenue generating budget.
Committee Chairman Curran asked if there are any major changes or new
obligations being forced on the office. Ms. Lynch stated, none that she is
aware of. Legislator Fanton asked why they have $282,000 budgeted for
automobile use tax; however, only took in $162,000. Ms. Ross stated the
$162,000 is what has been received so far this year. Committee Chairman Curran
asked if the new industrial map scanner being requested is something that
another department may have. Ms. Lynch stated they have been scanning their old
and new maps with an old scanner they purchased from Real Property so they are
requesting a new scanner under their County Clerk – General Government Support
Contract.
Human Resources –
2019 Budget Review
Human Resource Specialist Kim Francisco attended the meeting
to discuss the 2019 Budget requests for the Human Resources Office (A1430).
Committee Chairman Curran questioned the Medicare Part D revenue typically
being in the $48,000 range; however, was approximately $91,000 in 2017. Ms.
Ross stated that Medicare Part D fluctuates based on refunds from the prior
year, and 2017 happened to be a much larger amount. Ms. Francisco noted that these
are drugs being reimbursed for retirees still on the County healthcare plan.
Legislator Harris noted that legal advertising fluctuates quite a bit and asked
if it is dependent on the number of legal advertisements we have in a year. Ms.
Francisco stated everything that needs advertising has to go through Human
Resources (i.e. a department head job posting) and some of these higher up
positions can run $1,000 for advertising because there is a larger span of
newspapers that they are sending the advertisement to. Legislator Stockin asked
if the $8,000 legal advertising request is to make up for 2018 expenses or does
she anticipate needing it or 2019. Ms. Francisco stated they are trying to be
ahead of the game rather than always behind because they never know what might
happen. Legislator Fanton noted that compared to others, there is only a 5 percent
increase in the total Budget.
Youth
Bureau/STOP-DWI – 2019 Budget Review
Youth Bureau/STOP-DWI Director Linda Edwards attended the
meeting to discuss her 2019 Budget requests for the Youth Bureau (A7310) and
STOP-DWI (A3141) cost centers.
STOP-DWI
Ms. Edwards stated they will be receiving $10,850 for the
2019 Crackdown Enforcement. Ms. Edwards stated that New York State is giving
the County less for STOP-DWI, and for 2019 they will be receiving $6,465.62 as
opposed to the $22,500 they received in 2018. Committee Chairman Curran
reiterated his request to departments heads to really look at their budgets and
sharpen their pencils as Ms. Edwards’ situation is a perfect example of the
state reducing aid for programs. Mr. Curran continued that there is no way the
County can sustain the losses the governments above us are incurring, and if we
don’t start adapting, we’re going to be in deep trouble. Ms. Edwards stated she
has held the line the last few years, and they do their best to stay within
budget. Legislator Harris asked for an explanation of A3141.2615.R1 (STOP-DWI Reserve).
Ms. Edwards stated they receive the DWI fines that come in from the County
and/or State to operate the program, and because arrests are decreasing, so is
the money.
STOP-DWI Budget Approval
Ms. Edwards stated she will be requesting approval of the
2019 STOP-DWI budget in the amount of $82,078 at the September 5 Public Safety
Committee meeting.
Youth Bureau
Committee Chairman Curran asked what the State aid will be
for the Youth program. Ms. Edwards stated they will not officially know until May or
June of 2019; however, it usually stays level at $51,000.
