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Executive Fiala Delivers Fifth Annual Budget Address

 

 

(Binghamton, NY) During these tough economic times, Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala delivered her fifth Annual Budget Address to a crowded legislative chamber this evening.  With several cost cutting measures already taking place, the 2010 Recommended Budget calls for a 3.79% increase in property taxes, equating to an increase of $44 for the average taxpayer in Broome County.  The proposed budget also includes a reduction of 24 (FTE) county positions and an early retirement incentive for eligible employees. 

 

Executive Fiala was upfront in addressing current economic challenges. “These are difficult times indeed. This spending plan addresses the need to keep providing valuable services while minimizing the extent of the tax rate increase,” said Executive Fiala. Adding, “We still have mandated expenses, but where we can cut, we will.”
 
Prior to her presentation of the 2010 Recommended Budget, the County Executive already implemented: a hiring freeze, no tax supported (non-mandated) travel and no new equipment purchases for all Broome County departments.
 
In total, the 2010 Broome County Proposed Budget amounts to approximately $353 Million. The County Executive’s 2010 fiscal plan limits an increase in spending to only 1.5 %.  The County Executive identified several factors affecting the fiscal health of the county including: 7% deficit in sales taxes, increasing health care and Medicaid costs, a future 50% increase in pension contributions and a significant swell in the number of installment agreements signed by the Real Property Tax Department.
 
In her closing remarks, Executive Fiala recognized Johnson City residents' noble effort to consolidate a local level of government, making services more affordable for taxpayers. Standing by her commitment to support such consolidation, she again portrayed the county’s eagerness to work with anyone “who is willing to seriously discuss ways in which we can provide more effective and affordable services to our residents.”
 
2010 Budget Address points include:
 
  • Proposed 3.7% increase in property taxes
  • Additional $44 to average homeowner in Broome County
  • $353 Million appropriated for 2010
  •  County will reduce workforce by 24 (FTE) Positions (see page 513 and 514 in rec. budget)

- Will reduce bottom line by $1.7 Million

  • No administrative raises or position upgrades
  •  Administration will introduce an early retirement incentive(needs legislative approval)

 -$13,000 to any eligible employee-         

- 50+ retire $16,000 to each eligible employee

- 100+ retire $20,000 to each eligible employee

  •  $.25 Increase to BC Transit Fares, 2010 Base Rate $1.50  (remained unchanged for more than 10 years until 2008) Removed $.30 Transfer Fee
 
County lawmakers have until the end of November to finalize the spending plan for the next year.

 

2010 Budget Message

2010 Budget Message PowerPoint

 
 

Posted: 9/24/2009 4:28 pm

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