The meeting was called to order at 2:33 p.m.

Present:  15 Legislators.

Reconsideration of Resolution No. 271 of 2005

RESOLUTION NO. 271 - DIRECTING TOMPKINS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT TO REVALUE REAL PROPERTY IN THE COUNTY  IN THREE-YEAR INTERVALS

 MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to reconsider the following resolution.  It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Herrera, to add the following Resolved: "RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be authorized to appropriate $159,000 from the Contingent Fund to the Assessment Department's budget Account No. 1355.43089 in order to offset the loss of State aid resulting from the change to the three-year cycle,".    A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 11 (Legislators Dennis, Hattery, Herrera, Kiefer, Koplinka-Loehr, Mackesey, McBean-Clairborne, Proto, Randall, Robertson, and Shinagawa); Noes - 4 (Legislators Booth, Joseph, Sigler, and Stevenson).  MOTION CARRIED.

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, to approve the following substitute resolution:

RESOLUTION NO.         - DIRECTING TOMPKINS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT TO REVALUE REAL PROPERTY IN THE COUNTY IN ONE-YEAR INTERVALS

 WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 270 of 2005 the Tompkins County Legislature adopted a local law providing that real property in the County shall be revalued at a uniform percentage of fair market value and reviewed by the professional appraiser staff of the Department of Assessment at time periods determined by resolution of the County Legislature, and
 WHEREAS, the County Legislature believes that continuing with a time period of one year serves the best interest of the County and its residents, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations and the Budget and Capital Committees, That all property in the County of Tompkins shall be revalued at a uniform percentage of fair market value and reviewed by the professional appraisers staff of the Department of Assessment annually.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

 A voice vote on the substitute resolution above resulted as follows:  Ayes - 7 (Legislators Hattery, Herrera, Koplinka-Loehr, Kiefer, Proto, Randall, and Shinagawa); Noes - 8 (Legislators Booth, Dennis, Joseph, Mackesey, McBean-Clairborne, Robertson, Sigler, and Stevenson).  MOTION FAILED.

 Further discussion followed and Mr. Proto stated that he supports one-year assessments.  He said the problem is the tax rate not the assessments.  The process needs to be streamlined for people who want to protest their assessment.  Individuals are stressed with having to try to provide the necessary information and attend the grievance hearings to appeal their assessment.  He also feels there needs to be continued education of the process and that the Assessment Department needs to continue to provide information to help individuals as much as possible.  Mr. Whicher assured Mr. Proto that this would happen.
 Ms. Robertson requested the Government Operations Committee to look at this and the letter that is sent out to individuals about the assessment.  Ms. Herrera said the Committee has talked about this and commented there are restrictions on what can go on the notices.

 A voice vote resulted as follows on the resolution:  Ayes - 8 (Legislators Booth, Dennis, Joseph, Mackesey, McBean-Clairborne, Robertson, Sigler, and Stevenson); Noes - 7 (Legislators Hattery, Herrera, Kiefer, Koplinka-Loehr, Proto, Randall, and Shinagawa).  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

 WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 270 of 2005 the Tompkins County Legislature adopted a local law providing that real property in the County shall be revalued at a uniform percentage of fair market value and reviewed by the professional appraiser staff of the Department of Assessment at time periods determined by resolution of the County Legislature, and
 WHEREAS, the County Legislature believes that a time period of three years serves the best interest of the County and its residents, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations and the Budget and Capital Committees, That all property in the County of Tompkins shall be revalued at a uniform percentage of fair market value and reviewed by the professional appraisers staff of the Department of Assessment at three-year time intervals,
 RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be authorized to appropriate $159,000 from the Contingent Fund to the Assessment Department's budget Account No. 1355.43089 in order to offset the loss of State aid resulting from the change to the three-year cycle,
 RESOLVED, further, That the fiscal target of the Assessment Department be adjusted by $159,000.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Executive Session

 It was MOVED by Mr. Dennis, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to hold an executive session to discuss collective bargaining.  An executive session was held from 2:48 p.m. to 2:58 p.m.

Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 2:58 p.m.