Budget and Capital Committee
May 4, 2004
5:00 p.m.
Scott Heyman Conference Room
Present:  M. Koplinka-Loehr, Chair; P. Penniman; T. Todd; L. McBean-Clairborne; D. Booth (arrived at 5:13 p.m.)

Staff:      D. Squires, Finance Director

Guests:  D. Kiefer, County Legislator

Called to Order

    The meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m.

Changes to Agenda

    There were no changes to the agenda.

Resolutions

    Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said the committee approved the following resolution at a previous meeting and if there is recommendations for changes, he will introduce it to the full Legislature for consideration.  Hearing no discussion Mr. Koplinka-Loehr agreed to present the resolution as recommended by the Committee.

RESOLUTION NO.     - ESTABLISHMENT OF 2005 - 2006 COUNTY FINANCIAL GOALS

WHEREAS, Tompkins County, as part of its budget policy and process, wishes to develop financial parameters for the County, to establish the framework for the budget over the next year, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That the Legislature establishes the goal of reducing the 2004 ($7.47/1,000) tax rate for 2005 and 2006,
RESOLVED, further, That the Legislature establishes the goal of a maximum annual increase in the tax levy of 3 percent for 2005 and 2006,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator shall be charged to recommend further consolidations of departments and functions where opportunities exist for improved efficiencies,
RESOLVED, further, That the County maintain workforce levels at or below current levels in the 2005 and 2006 Budgets.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II - 20
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    It was MOVED by Mr. Penniman, seconded by Mr. Todd, to approve and submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  Mr. Penniman asked about the current projection for the Airport budget.  Mr. Squires said emplanements are down noting that is where the revenue is generated.  The Airport is spending more than it is bringing in.  He anticipates that at year-end, it is likely the Airport will have a deficit fund balance and owe the general fund money.

    Ms. Kiefer said this project was in the Airport's budget and the reason she voted against this in the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee is she feels it is too soon to request money from the Contingency Fund.  She also noted delayed revenues are expected from emplanements.  Mr. Squires said he looked at that and they are paying on time.  Ms. McBean-Clairborne said she is having difficulty supporting this as she does not see the urgency.

    Mr. Booth arrived at this time.

    Mr. Penniman said the Legislature has known for months the Airport has had problems.  In February, he said he asked for information about the budget and has not seen it.

    Discussion followed and a voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 3 (Booth, Koplinka-Loehr, and Todd); Noes - 2 (Penniman and McBean-Clairborne).  RESOLUTION CARRIED.

RESOLUTION NO.     - CONTINGENT FUND APPROPRIATION OF $64,066 TO PAY FOR COUNTY SHARE OF THE COST OF THE DEMOLITION OF OLD AIRPORT TERMINAL - ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

    WHEREAS, Tompkins County entered into an agreement with Taughannock Aviation for cost sharing associated with the demolition and removal of the Old Terminal Building at a cost not to exceed $70,000, and
    WHEREAS, Taughannock Aviation has satisfactorily completed the demolition of the Old Terminal and submitted an invoice of $64,065.50 to the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport for the County’s share of cost of demolition, and
    WHEREAS, the  County Finance Director has advised that the financial resources of the Airport Fund are currently inadequate to absorb the payment for the demolition cost of the Old Terminal, now therefore be it
    RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Budget and Capital Committees, That an appropriation of  $64,066 be authorized from the Contingent Fund to provide for the cost of the demolition of the Old Terminal Building,
    RESOLVED, further, That the Airport Fund shall reimburse the Contingent Fund for the $64,066 when resources become available,
    RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director is authorized to make the following budget appropriations in implementation of this resolution:
From:               A1990.54400          Contingency Fund    $64,066

To :                 CT5610.54400        Airport              $64,066
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II- 2
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Adjournment

    The meeting adjourned at 5:18 p.m.

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