Called to Order

 Chair Joseph called the public hearing to order at 7:04 p.m. concerning the Tompkins County 2006 Tentative Budget and 2006-2010 Capital Program.

 Richard Ehrhardt, Town of Danby, submitted the following statement:

 "My name is Richard Ehrhardt, I own and manage 450 sheep on one of the few remaining farms in the Town of Danby.  I am also a farmer member of the Tompkins County Ag and Farmland Protection Board which is why I am here this evening.  The Ag and Farmland Protection Board serves the county by providing advice to towns on agricultural district law, reviewing applications to agricultural district additions (which I should add we are currently seeing an unprecedented number of new applications from all districts represented by this Legislature) region of municipal PDR grant applications and finally, but importantly, updating the ten year-old County Ag Plan and implementing its new initiatives.

 "Agriculture is the major primary industry in this County and its contribution to our local economy is vital yet often under-appreciated.  We have a rich and diverse agricultural industry in this county and the Ag and Farmland protection board serves to protect, enhance and promote these interests.  The board is responsible for implementation of the new County agricultural plan.  This plan seeks to promote agricultural economic development, community agricultural awareness and participation, and environmental protection strategies, such as watershed protection that benefit agriculture, our rural communities and the environment.

 "The board has made an over-target request of $2,700 over our allotment last year in order to fund one half-time salary and provide a minimal operating budget.  We urge you to fund this request in full so that we may be able to carry out our program.  The funding of $15,300 received in 2005 was not sufficient to cover a half-time position and operating expenses, and a half-time position is the minimum amount of time possible for implementation of the County Ag Plan, Ag District review, education on Ag District Law and other important services provided by this position.  We currently request $18,000 to cover this half-time position with $15,000 covering salary and $3,000 covering operation expense which amounts to an over target request of $2,700.  To put this request in perspective, the farm community contributes $800,000 to the county budget each year in taxes and it is also clear that county services accounted for by Ag tax dollars are much lower than for other tax revenue.  Farmers deserve an investment that will benefit both them and the county and cutting back on our request for $2,700 would be an insult to the local ag community.  This request represents a sound investment by the County in the important and deserving local ag economy.

 "As both a farmer and member of the board, I urge you to approve this request so that we can maintain this valuable service to the County and its ag community."

 Don Lifton, Village of Lansing resident, thanked the Legislature for the proposed budget it is considering and all the programs and services contained in it, while not raising property taxes.  He feels the reason that very few people from the public are present at this hearing is that voters commented yesterday, Election Day.  He spoke about the 10 of the 15 contested Legislator seats and the potential for a complete reversal of policies of the Legislature and outlined some of the issues that were raised during the campaign.  He said the Legislature has a clear message about the budget and the public urges you to vote for the budget as proposed.

 Ms. Kiefer arrived at this time.

 Luke Patsey, Town of Ithaca, said he moved into his house in 2000 and that from 2002 to present his property tax rate increased 55 percent.  He supports the current budget of zero percent, but cannot afford to continue paying 55 percent increases over a three-year period.  He is being taxed out of his home and that in his opinion people are being "de-incentivized" to buy a house.  He hopes that future years there will be zero percent or reasonable increase.  Otherwise, his options are to sell his house and move into an apartment or move out of the area.

 No other member of the public wished to speak at this time and Mr. Joseph agreed to discuss another matter and hold the hearing open a few more minutes for anyone else that may want to address the Legislature.

Mr. Joseph said he received information from the State concerning the option to provide the year-round sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear effective April 1, 2006.  The Legislature must act by December 1 in order for it to take effect in 2006.  He noted this exemption will go into effect at the State level on April 1, 2006.  He asked the Legislature for direction and suggested the Budget and Capital Committee add this item to the agenda of their special meeting on November 15th.  He reported that the City of Ithaca Mayor contacted him regarding this matter and requested that the City be involved in any decision the Legislature makes.

 Mr. Lane expressed interest in proceeding with the exemption and hoped the full Legislature would provide the opportunity for consideration and a vote.

 Mr. Booth said he would prefer to see the sales tax remain in effect rather than placing an additional burden on the property tax.

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne feels this is a great incentive for residents.  She continues to support the exemption and hopes the Legislature will work with the City.

 Ms. Herrera said she also supported this before and will support it again.

 Mr. Squires reported that in 2006, based on the 1999 study, the total loss of sales tax is estimated to be $1.5 million over a twelve-month period ($1 million for the County would be lost).

 Mr. Penniman arrived at this time.

 Ms. Blanchard requested that towns and villages be contacted about this issue as well.

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr agreed to schedule the Budget and Capital Committee meeting at 4:30 p.m. on November 15th to discuss this issue.  Mr. Joseph said he hoped the Legislature would let the majority decide.
 
 Mr. Winch arrived at this time.

 Mr. Proto requested that an estimate be made of the sales tax distribution and what the impact would be on the towns and villages before the Legislature considers any action.

 Mr. Joseph said the towns and the City will be notified that this subject is being discussed by the Budget and Capital Committee and the full Legislature on November 15th.

 Ms. Kiefer said she is not supportive of this exemption and knows what the positions are of the municipalities she represents.

 Mr. Joseph asked if anyone else wished to speak concerning the 2006 tentative budget.  No one else wished to speak and the public hearing was closed at 7:36 p.m.

Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Respectfully submitted by Cathy Covert, Clerk of the Legislature