Call to Order

 Mr. Booth called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the revised property tax bill format.

 Mr. Whicher said the Committee requested staff to examine the property tax bill format and present a proposal to place the Tompkins County Tax Levy on the property tax bill into two additional lines.  The purpose  for the purpose of explaining that part of the local property tax is mandated by the State and to identify the other County services.  The initial suggestion by the Committee the Tompkins County Tax line be used with two indentations below it; one indicating State Mandates, and another saying "Other County Services".  In speaking with the Finance Director it was learned that it would not be possible to implement those programming changes.   As an alternative, staff is proposing to place a text box on the bill that would show what the Tompkins County Tax levy is and state part of it is mandated and part of it is other County services.  Mr. Whicher said the Committee needs to decide if this alternative would be acceptable.  If it is acceptable, he said the Committee would then need to determine how this would be calculated.  At this time minor modifications were included in the resolution based on suggestions made by those present.

 It was stated that it is very important that town clerks be aware and understand this change.
 

RESOLUTION NO. 305 - AUTHORIZING THE ADDITION OF SEPARATE LINE ITEMS TO THE TOMPKINS COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX BILLS COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2003

It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Board:

 WHEREAS, the cost to county governments throughout the State of State-mandated programs has risen dramatically, and
 WHEREAS, the percentage of the Tompkins County annual budget expended to support Medicaid and other State-mandated programs has continually increased, and
 WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives desires to separately state these costs on the County real property tax bill so that the taxpayers of Tompkins County are informed as to the cost to them of these State-mandated programs, and
 WHEREAS, the Government Operations Committee discussed and approved in concept the addition of language to the tax bill informing residents of  the costs of State-mandates, therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That the Board of Representatives hereby authorizes and directs the County Director of Assessment to state as a separate line item or items on Tompkins County Real Property Tax Bills commencing with the bills for the 2003 real property tax the amount of the tax levy appropriated to fund Medicaid and other New York State-mandated programs.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.