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County Finalizes 2008 Tax Levy at 27.01 Percent Increase; Tax Rates to Rise 18.77 Percent
Health Commissioner position reinstated
by Margaret Sternberg
The result of the October 30, 2007 Special Meeting of the County Legislature is a final Putnam County tax levy increase of 27.01 percent, down from County Executive Bob Bondi's initial proposal of 40 percent, but higher than the 23.34 percent the County Legislature had proposed in a series of costcutting measures and revenue-raising moves.
The 2008 County tax rate, which is based upon the levy, will be $2.724 per $1,000 assessed value as compared to $2.29 per $1,000 assessed value in 2007, an 18.77 percent rise.
While most of Mr. Bondi's vetoes were overridden, several key initiatives were not, including $275,000 in funds slated for education and training of County employees, $195,596 in funds, most of which was for mandated equipment for the Sheriff's Department, and $400,000 that was restored in Highway Department funds.
Legislator Mary Ellen Odell noted, and Chairman Dan Birmingham confirmed, that the absence of Legislator Robert McGuigan the entire evening "could have an effect on the override of his [Mr. Bondi's] veto," since six votes were needed to override any veto. The reinstatement of the $400,000 Highway Maintenance Fund was at least one item in which Legislator McGuigan's vote could have changed the outcome, with one legislator abstaining from the vote, two voting not to override and five voting to override the veto.
The Legislators easily overrode vetoes by Mr. Bondi that would have restored a $27,000 Assistant Coordinator position in the Office for People with Disabilities, and would have reversed the removal of $500,000 from the Contingency Fund.
The Legislature also overrode a veto that would have prevented the removal of an additional $500,000 being taken from the County Surplus to shore up the budget, while also overriding two separate vetoes aimed at prohibiting the Legislature from adding $270,000 to the total 2008 estimated sales tax revenue the County expects to generate. Adding to the proposed revenue for 2008 is the sale of a County building which the Legislature overrode Mr. Bondi's veto of. The County expects to realize $250,000 from the sale.
But the abolishment of the Health Commissioner position, which cost the County approximately $118,000, was the one resolution for which approximately 60 people attended the meeting. The veto was not overridden, retaining the position and causing the audience, many of whom were Health Department employees, to break into enthusiastic applause.
The restoration of the position, which had been a subject of tremendous contention, even among the legislators, had been lobbied for by department employees, citizens, and the Administration.
Dr. Sherlita Amler, who holds the position, said "Naturally, I am very happy," adding that she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. She cited support from the County Executive, the Legislature, citizens of the County, and the State Commissioner of Health, saying she "felt very good to have the support about what we [the Health Department] do," and that she is gratified that citizens understand the importance of public health to themselves and how the department deals with quality of life issues that may not always be readily apparent.
Looking forward, Dr. Amler said that the department would like to focus on the testing of private well water and the importance of safe drinking water to residents. She also discussed the need to educate and keep the public abreast of emerging infectious diseases, citing Community Acquired MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that has had an increasing community presence.
The department is in the process of putting together a "Commissioner's Award" that would be given to restaurants with two consecutive years of "excellent" ratings when inspected for sanitary conditions. Another initiative will be signage given to restaurants that serve only trans-fat-free food. Those restaurants would also be listed on the department's website and would be subject to future inspections after receiving the designation to ensure compliance.
Mr. Bondi's symbolic gesture of vetoing the Legislature's adoption of the earlier, 23.34 percent Legislative budget, was overridden unanimously.
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