Chair Mink called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call of Members

Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Present: 14 Excused - 1 (Representative Koplinka-Loehr). Representative Davis arrived at 5:44 p.m.

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

Peter Meskill, Tompkins County Sheriff, reported that no one from his department is present this evening because deputies are out working on two armed-robbery cases with the State Police. He said a Dryden officer was critically injured in an automobile accident and asked that everyone pray for his recovery.

Privilege of the Floor by Board Members

Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, reported Elsie Freeman Finch will be a presenter at the Community Documentary Heritage Program on December 6 at 9 a.m. at the DeWitt Historical Society. Ms. Finch is also associated with the National Archives and a member of the Library Board of Trustees.

Mrs. Schuler, District No. 4 Representative, announced November 18th is "National Smokeout Day".

Chair Mink congratulated Representative Penniman on his recent election to the Board to complete Mr. Meskill's remaining term. Mr. Penniman said he looks forward to working with Board members for another two years.

Report from the County Administrator

Mr. Erb reported Tompkins County is one step closer to receiving tobacco settlement monies. He said the money is expected to be received well in advance of the July 1, 2000 date. He expects the County to receive the funds that are in escrow before the end of the year.

Mr. Erb said at the public hearing on the budget there was a gentlemen who spoke about Department of Social Services expenditures. He said the person asked about males in the age category of 18-25 years of age receiving assistance. Mr. Erb said Tompkins County does not break down clients in this age group; however, a comparable age group would be males in the 21 to 30 year-old group. He said in that age group there are thirty nine who are considered head of household who receive assistance from the County. Of those nine would be males and would be broken down between Aid to Family recipients and Safety Net recipients.

Mr. Erb said there was also a question from the same gentlemen about the County's use of taxis to transport clients to separate methadone treatments. He said it is not a general rule to make separate trips; however, it is possible in situations where clients who are a danger to one another would be transported separately.

Mr. Erb reported another meeting was held between County and town officials to discuss fiscal matters. Issues such as tax foreclosure information and due-to and due from account information was discussed. He said the discussion was positive and productive and he looks forward to having close working relationships with the towns.

Report from the County Attorney

Mr. Theisen was not in attendance.

Report from the Finance Director

Mr. Squires said the bond sale was held last week and said the winning bid on the

$6,054,000 bond was 5.396 percent to Roosevelt and Cross Securities.

Representative Davis arrived at 5:44 p.m.

Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda

On motion and duly seconded and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, the following resolution(s) were added to the agenda:

Appropriation of Room Occupancy Tax Funds for Wine Center Feasibility Study

Authorizing Purchase of a Police Crimes Records Management System and a Mobile Data Browser

Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda

No resolution(s) were withdrawn from the agenda.

Approval of Resolution(s) Under the Consent Agenda

It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution(s) under the Consent Agenda:

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the regular and supplemental report of the totals (footings) of assessment rolls be accepted and the figures therein be used as a basis for the taxation in the several tax districts of the County for the year 2000.

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RESOLUTION NO. 257 - ESTABLISHING COUNTY EQUALIZATION RATES

MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda:

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article III, Section 4.05, Subdivision (d) of the Tompkins County Charter and Code, the Director of Assessment has submitted and recommended the adoption of equalization rates for all towns in Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca for the assessment rolls filed in 1999, and for the apportionment of County taxes levied in 2000, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the following equalization rates be and hereby are adopted:

AGGREGATE ASSESSED AGGREGATE FULL

VALUATION OF TAXABLE COUNTY VALUATION OF TAXABLE REAL PROPERTY FOR EQUALIZATION REAL PROPERTY FOR TOWN COUNTY PURPOSES RATE COUNTY PURPOSES
 

Town of Caroline	95,906,089	100	95,906,089
Town of Danby	123,270,530	100	123,270,530
Town of Dryden	498,028,768	100	498,028,768
Town of Enfield	95,434,301	100	95,434,301
Town of Groton	137,790,130	100	137,790,130
Town of Ithaca	722,098,177	100	722,098,177
Town of Lansing	696,353,469	100	696,353,469
Town of Newfield	149,932,118	100	149,932,118
Town of Ulysses	221,862,601	100	221,862,601
City of Ithaca	817,331,540	100	817,331,540
TOTALS			3,558,007,723

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RESOLUTION NO. 258 - ADOPTION OF APPORTIONMENT OF TAXES

MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda:

WHEREAS, the report of equalization rates and totals (footings) of assessment rolls has been prepared and approved by the Assessment Director, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the report of the Director of Assessment be accepted and adopted and the valuation of real property and franchise be based on the 1999 final assessed values for the purposes of general and highway tax levied against the several tax districts of the County and that the values determined therein be the basis for such general and highway tax levies for the year 1999,

RESOLVED, further, That several amounts therein listed for State tax, County tax for general County purposes, and County highway tax for 2000 against the several towns of the County and City of Ithaca be assessed against, levied upon, and collected from taxable property of the several towns and City liable therefor.

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RESOLUTION NO. 259 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS – VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS

MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda:

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the Director of Finance be directed to make the following budget adjustments on his books:

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Office for the Aging (#51)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ____

6774.43808 State Revenue $3,065 6774.54491 Subcontractor

Explanation: Increase in revenue permits increase in Foodnet contract.

Office for the Aging (#49)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ____

6796.44772 Federal Revenue 3,849 6796.51000 Salary

6796.44772 Federal Revenue 35 6796.54330 Printing

6796.44772 Federal Revenue 962 6796.58000 Fringes

Explanation: Revenue increase permits increase in salary hours for Outreach Worker, permits increase in printing expenses, and fringes to cover increase in salary.

Office for the Aging (#48)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) _____

6780.43808 State Revenue 1,413 6780.54491 Subcontracts

Explanation: Increase in State revenue permits increase for subcontractors.

Office for the Aging (#53)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) _____

6777.43808 State Revenue 1,054 6777.54491 Subcontracts

Explanation: Increase in State Revenue permits increase in subcontracts.

Public Health (#50)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s)_____

4016.42705 Gifts and Donations $1,000 4016.54400 Program Expense

Explanation: The Health Promotion Program has received a gift to be used for health education/promotion.

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WHEREAS, upon the tax rolls of the several towns and City, the several taxes will be extended, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That the tax rolls be approved as completed and that there shall be extended and carried out upon the roll the amount to be levied against each parcel of real property shown thereon,

RESOLVED, further, That there be annexed to each of said rolls a tax warrant prepared by the Director of Assessment as provided for in Section 4.02(b) of the Tompkins County Charter and Code, that such warrants shall be the respective amounts theretofore authorized to be levied upon each of said rolls, that the several warrants be signed by the Chairman and the Clerk of the Board under seal of the Board and by the Director of Assessment, that said rolls with said warrants annexed are to be forthwith delivered to the respective collectors of the several districts of the County.

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RESOLUTION NO. 261 - TOWN BUDGETS

MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda:

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That in accordance with budgets adopted by the several town boards of the County of Tompkins now on file with the Clerk of the Board and laws of the State of New York and in accordance with the foregoing report and recommendation of the Budget and Personnel Committee there be levied upon and collected from the taxable property of the several towns of the County and the City of Ithaca the foregoing sums for the purposes therein named,

RESOLVED, further, That said summaries of the budgets of the several towns of the County and the City of Ithaca be printed in the 1999 Proceedings of the Board of Representatives.

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RESOLUTION NO. 262 - AUTHORIZATION FOR DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO MAKE YEAR-END TRANSFERS, APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AS REQUIRED

MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda:

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That the County Finance Director be and he hereby is authorized and directed to make year-end transfers, appropriations, and budget adjustments required to clear credit balances from the books at year end,

RESOLVED, further, That any such additional entries made by the County Finance Director shall be reported back to the Board of Representatives.

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RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That the County Administrator be and he hereby is authorized to sign all drafts of the County of Tompkins and to delegate this authority to the Deputy County Administrator.

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RESOLUTION NO. 264 - PRINTING OF TAX RATES

MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda:

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That after the tax rates are ascertained for the various towns and the City of Ithaca, the Clerk shall print such rates in the 1999 Proceedings of the Board following budgets of the several towns and City.

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RESOLUTION NO. 265 - WORKER’S COMPENSATION BUDGET AND APPORTIONMENT - MUTUAL SELF-INSURANCE PLAN

MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda:

WHEREAS, the Budget and Quality Planning Committee estimates that the sum of $4,021.62 will be required during the year 2000 for the payment of compensation in old and pending cases on behalf of the County and participating municipalities under the mutual Self-Insurance Plan and for the expenses of administering same, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That there be raised from the County and participating municipalities in 2000 the total sum of $4,021.62 the same to be apportioned to the County and the several participating municipalities in the proportion that their equalized valuation bears to the aggregate valuation of the County and all participating municipal corporations as follows:

Municipality Assessed Full Value Apportionment

Caroline 95,906,089 $ 54.20

Danby 123,270,530 $ 69.67

Dryden 420,978,580 $237.92

Enfield 95,434,301 $ 53.93

Groton 87,712,844 $ 49.57

Ithaca (Town) 485,655,651 $274.47

Lansing 696,353,469 $393.54

Newfield 149,932,118 $ 84.73

Ulysses 221,862,801 $125.39

Ithaca (City) 817,331,540 $461.91

Dryden (Village) 63,462,707 $ 35.87

Freeville (Village) 13,587,481 $ 7.68

Groton (Village) 50,077,286 $ 28.30

Cayuga Heights (Village) 236,442,526 $133.63

County of Tompkins 3,558,007,723 $2,010.81

Total 7,116,015,646 $4,021.62

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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) the Government Operations Committee

Ms. Kiefer, Vice Chair, reported the Committee conducted routine business at this month's meeting. Ms. West, Deputy County Administrator, reported the plan to bring management and confidential employee salaries into line with CSEA is close to being accomplished. She said the diversity training session was held last week, and asked Mr. Erb to report on some of the items that were named as priorities.

Mr. Erb recalled the following items being named as priorities: recruitment and employee development, achieving more diversity on boards and commissions and developing a roster of people who would be interested in serving, utilizing the Civil Service System in the best possible way, and training for diversity. He thanked everyone for their participation in this event, and said all Board members will receive a report on this that will include the final conclusions of the group.

RESOLUTION NO. 266 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND - REPLACEMENT PAY - PERSONNEL

MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Davis. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Representative Koplinka-Loehr). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, a Personnel Assistant in the Personnel Department was absent from work for longer two months, and

WHEREAS, replacement pay for the period May 31, 1999 - July 30, 1999 has been approved from the contingent fund pursuant to County Fiscal Policy, and

WHEREAS, an additional request for replacement pay in the amount of $4,858 is now being made for the period August 1, 1999 - September 20, 1999 when this employees returned to work, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations and Budget and Quality Planning Committees, That the following budget appropriation be made:

FROM: A1990.54400 Contingency Fund $4,858

TO: A1430.51000 Regular Pay $3,886

A1430.58800 Fringes 972

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RESOLUTION NO. 267 - APPROVAL OF SAVINGS PLAN PURSUANT TO THE 1999 EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM AND 2001 FISCAL TARGET ADJUSTMENT

MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Penniman. Ms. Kiefer said she does not support this resolution because she does not feel it should be offered every year. A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 12, Noes - 2 (Representatives Davis and Kiefer); Excused - 1 (Representative Koplinka-Loehr). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives authorized participation in the 1999 Early Retirement Incentive Program, and

WHEREAS, one eligible employee in the Personnel Department has voluntarily chosen to retire during the open period, and

WHEREAS, the Personnel Department has submitted a savings plan pursuant to regulations stipulated by the New York State Retirement System whereby they will fill up to a half-time position during 2000 and 2001 to demonstrate the required savings, and

WHEREAS, such plan has been reviewed and recommended by the County Administrator, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations and the Budget and Quality Planning Committees, That the employee listed below be authorized to retire under the terms of the 1999 Early Retirement Incentive Program:

Shirley Meyers, Personnel Assistant, Personnel Department

RESOLVED, further, That the Fiscal Target for the Personnel Department be reduced by $3,186.

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RESOLUTION NO. 268 - DATE OF ORGANIZATION MEETING

MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That in accordance with Section 151 of County Law, the organization meeting of the Board of Representatives shall be held in the Board of Representatives’ Chambers of the Tompkins County Courthouse, Ithaca, New York, on Tuesday, January 4, 2000, at 5:30 o’clock in the evening thereof.

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Report from the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations, and Education Committee

Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The next meeting will be November 23rd at 9 a.m.

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Economic and Workforce Development Committee

Mr. Stein, Chairman, reported the Committee met on November 8 and heard a report from the Workforce Development Director and the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services. He said the Committee spent a great deal of time discussing tourism and room tax funds. There was also a lot of discussion about filling two existing vacancies on the Strategic Tourism Planning Committee in the areas of culture and travel/media. The Committee is seeking recommendations for individuals who would like to be considered for membership. At the next meeting they will set aside time to discuss the Economic Development Strategy Plan.

WHEREAS, Section 22 of the TCAT Consolidation Agreement states that TCAT shall purchase, at cost, the current useful inventory on hand for use in connection with the repair, maintenance, and servicing of the public transit buses, or other operations of the regional transit facility, and

WHEREAS, the inventory has been valued at $402,947.37 and Tompkins County’s contributory one-third share is $134,315.79, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic and Workforce Development and Budget and Quality Planning Committees, That $134,316 be appropriated from the Contingent Fund for payment of the County’s share of the beginning inventory.

WHEREAS, a proposal was received to undertake a preliminary feasibility study for a wine center in Tompkins County, and

WHEREAS, this proposal is for a potential facility that will increase the attractiveness of the County for tourism purposes, and

WHEREAS, it has been a long-standing policy of the tourism board to encourage the enhancement of tourism attractions in addition to marketing of tourism attractions, and

WHEREAS, funds are available for such feasibility study in the room-occupancy tax account, and

WHEREAS, the Strategic Tourism Planning Board has reviewed this proposal and recommends funding, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee, That $8,000 be appropriated from the Room Occupancy Tax Fund for this feasibility study,

RESOLVED, further, That the funds be contracted to the Ithaca Downtown Partnership to oversee the study.

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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Human Services Committee

Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee met today at 3:30 p.m. and heard a report from Tompkins Community Action who stated they are finally closing on their new building. The Health Planning Council recognized certified nursing assistants by having an open house for them at both Lakeside and the Reconstruction Home. There were 102 certified nurses assistants honored at Lakeside and 50 at the Reconstruction Home. Mr. Winch thanked Representatives Penniman, Evans, and Proto for participating in the events to honor these individuals.

WHEREAS, the Mental Health Department has hired a Supervising Psychologist from Tioga County, and

WHEREAS, this person was hired as a transfer from Tioga County at the 40 hour working rate, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the position of Mental Health Supervising Psychologist be increased from 35 to 40 hours per week.
 
 

RESOLVED, further, That no additional funding is needed.

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WHEREAS, employees in the Public Health and Social Services Departments have been authorized by the Board to participate in the Early Retirement Incentive Plan, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services, Economic and Workforce Development, and Budget and Quality Planning Committees, That the Fiscal Targets for the Public Health and Social Services Departments be reduced as follows:

Public Health $4,065

Report from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee

Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met this morning and discussed the County's road shoulder policy. The remainder of the meeting was spent conducting routine business.

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Public Safety Committee

Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met briefly this afternoon to consider a resolution that was added to the agenda. The next meeting will be November 23^rd. At the end of the regular Committee meeting, a joint discussion will be held with the Communications Capital Project Committee to review the towers proposal that is being provided by the consultant. He urged all Board members to attend that meeting.

RESOLUTION NO. 273 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND –

TERMINAL PAY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT

MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Blanchard. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Representative Koplinka-Loehr). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, three staff members of the Tompkins County Sheriff's Department retired and have received terminal pay at a total cost of $26,738, and

WHEREAS, Section 5.03 (B) of the County Fiscal Policy describes departmental entitlements, including contingent fund requests for the unbudgeted costs of terminal pay for employees, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee and the Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That the following budget appropriation be made:

FROM: A1990.44000 Contingency Fund $26,738

TO: A3110.51000 Regular Pay $13,114

A3113.51000 Regular Pay 13,624

RESOLVED, further, That this adjustment is for 1999 and does not affect the Fiscal Target for 2000.

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RESOLUTION NO. 274 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND

FOR OVERTIME PAY AT THE SHERIFF’S

DEPARTMENT

MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.

WHEREAS, the County Board set aside $200,000 in the Contingent Fund for overtime costs at the Sheriff’s Department when the 1999 budget was adopted, and

WHEREAS, $39,834 was previously appropriated with Resolution No. 112 on the first day of June, 1999, and

WHEREAS, overtime occurred from April to the end of the year, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety and Budget and Quality Planning Committees, That the Director of Finance appropriate $155,000 from the Contingent Fund to cover payroll and fringe benefit expenses through out the Sheriff’s Department budgeting units leaving a balance of $5,166.

APPROPRIATION:

FROM: A1990.54400 $155,000

TO: PLANNING & COORDINATION

A3110.51000 Regular Pay $ 4,000

A3110.58800 Fringe 1,000

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

A3112.51000 Regular Pay 50,000

A3112.58800 Fringe 12,500

UNIFORM DIVISION

A3113.51000 Regular Pay 12,500

A3113.51200 Overtime Pay 20,000

A3113.58800 Fringe 30,000

CORRECTIONS DIVISION

A3150.51000 Regular Pay 20,000

A3150.58800 Fringe 5,000

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WHEREAS, an Assistant District Attorney has ended employment with Tompkins County as of August 25, 1999, and

WHEREAS, the County Fiscal Policy allows for the appropriation of contingency funds for reimbursement to a department for payment of terminal benefits, and

WHEREAS, the cost of terminal benefits in the amount of $2,322.12 plus 25 percent fringe has been incurred by the District Attorney’s office, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety and Budget and Quality Planning Committees, That the following budget adjustment be made:

FROM: A1990.54400 Contingency Fund $2,903.00

TO: A1165.10000 Terminal Pay $2,323.00

A1165.80000 Fringes 580.00

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WHEREAS, this Board by Resolution No. 42 of 1999 requested the New York State Legislature to authorize an increase in the Tompkins County 911 Surcharge and they have since introduced legislation authorizing the County of Tompkins to impose a one year increase of $.20 per access line per month surcharge, and

WHEREAS, this Board by Resolution No. 171 authorized the adoption of Local Law No. 3 of 1999 imposing an additional $.20 surcharge on telephone access lines for one year to raise revenue for the system costs associated with the addition of a police crimes records management system and a mobile data browser and that any expenditure of these funds are to be approved by the County Administrator, and

WHEREAS, said state legislation has been recently approved and signed by the Governor of the State of New York, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety and Budget and Quality Planning Committees, That the Director of Finance is directed to increase the 1999 Capital Project fund #HI 3401 by $160,000 with commensurate increases in revenue anticipated from the increased E911 surcharges over the coming years,

RESOLVED, further, That this expenditure authorization is expressly contingent on the prior approval of the County Administrator that the crimes package vendor has assured that a satisfactory system interface for the transfer of data from this crimes records package to the CISNET system can be provided.

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Quality Planning Committee

Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported there was discussion at the last meeting concerning how the tobacco settlement monies should be used. The Committee decided that in order to debate how they should be used, the Committee needs to first be presented with a proposal. He noted that if no action is taken on these funds the money will automatically fall into the General Fund and anyone who wants to do something different has to put a proposal forward stating exactly how the money should be used. He agreed with comments that there should be public discussion on this before any decision is made.

Ms. Mink said a process needs to be developed for taking proposals and input. She said discussion on this will likely continue over the next six months.

Ms. Kiefer suggested that this item be referred to the Board as a Committee of the Whole item.

Mr. Stein said there needs to be discussion on which group is being charged with developing a process for discussion. He suggested including the new Public Information Committee in this. Ms. Mink said she will be meeting with Mr. Joseph to discuss how to proceed with this.

Mr. Joseph announced the November 18 Committee meeting has been cancelled due to lack of business. The next meeting will be December 7^th.

RESOLUTION NO. 277 - AUTHORIZING PAYMENTS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPERATING BUDGET

MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.

WHEREAS, this Board has heretofore and by resolution approved the 2000-2001 operating budget for the Tompkins Cortland Community College and appropriated the necessary funds to pay the Tompkins County proportionate share of the operating budget of said college, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That the County Administrator be and he hereby is authorized and directed, pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law of the State of New York and within the authorization provided by this Board, to pay Tompkins Cortland Community College an amount up to but not to exceed the Tompkins County budgeted share of the operating costs of said college for the fiscal year 2000-2001 on the following dates in the following amounts:

January 1, 2000	497,950.25
March 1, 2000	497,950.25
May 1, 2000	497,950.25
July 1, 2000	497,950.25
Total	1,991,801.00

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RESOLUTION NO. 278 - ADOPTION OF 2000 TOMPKINS COUNTY BUDGET

MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Lane.

It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote to approve the following amendment:

WHEREAS, $21,785 of one-time spending in the District Attorney’s budget has not been reflected in the Over-Target Summary, Page 33, Line 88 resulting in an overstatement of total Over-Target Requests, and

WHEREAS, the rollover allocation is shown on Page 51, and on Page 3, Line 28, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That Page 3, Line 2 be decreased by $21,785 which results in an increase in the surplus available funds shown on Line 24(a).

Tax Rate Impact: no impact

GFB Appropriation for One-Time Items: no impact

GFB Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase: no impact

Change in Available Surplus Funds (Line 24a) $21,785 increase

RESOLVED, That the 2000 Proposed Budget Appropriation for the General Fund Contribution to Debt Service, Page 3, Line 6, and Line 56 on page 55, be reduced by $30,529, and

RESOLVED, further, That the General Fund Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase, Page 3, Line 23 likewise be reduced by $30,529 resulting in an increase in available surplus funds of $30,529.

Tax Rate Impact: no impact

GFB Appropriation for One-Time Items: no impact

GFB Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase: $30,529 decrease

Change in Available Surplus Funds (Line 24a) $30,529 increase

It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following amendment:

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Sponsor Share for Tompkins Cortland Community College has decreased from 62% to 61%, and

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Share will be $33,112 less than estimated in the 2000 Proposed Budget, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the 2000 Proposed Budget Appropriation for Tompkins Cortland Community College, Program No. 0505, page 17, be reduced by $33,112, and

RESOLVED, further, That the General Fund Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase, Page 3, Line 23, likewise be reduced by $33,112 resulting in an increase in available surplus funds of $33,112.

Tax Rate Impact: no impact

GFB Appropriation for One-Time Items: no impact

GFB Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase: $33,112 decrease

Change in Available Surplus Funds (Line 24a) $33,112 increase

It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following amendment:

WHEREAS, the Budget and Quality Planning Committee has not recommended $26,700 in permanent funding for SWAP upon advisement by the Department of Social Services that alternative funding would be available, and

WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services has confirmed that this alternative funding would NOT be obtainable for 2000, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the 2000 Proposed Budget, Page 23, Line 12, be increased by $26,700,

RESOLVED, further, That the General Fund Appropriation, Line 11, page 3 be increased by $26,700 resulting in a decrease in available surplus funds of $26,700.

Tax Rate Impact: no impact

GFB Appropriation for One-Time Items: $26,700 increase

GFB Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase: no impact

Change in Available Surplus Funds (Line 24a) $26,700 decrease

It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Lane, to approve the following amendment:

Budget Amendment No. 5 - OTR #114c – Deputy – Sheriff’s Department

WHEREAS, the Budget and Quality Planning Committee has recommended one Deputy and one Captain position in the 2000 Proposed Tompkins County Budget, and

WHEREAS, the original request was funding for two Deputies and One Captain position, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the 2000 Proposed Budget Appropriation, Line 114c, Page 36, be increased by $56,320 as a Target Increase for one Deputy position, increased by $1,850 as a Target Increase for clothing, travel, training, and ammunition, and increased by $1,500 one-time for departmental issue,

RESOLVED, further, That the General Fund Appropriation, Line 11, page 3 be increased by $59,670 resulting in a decrease in available surplus funds of $59,670.

Tax Rate Impact: no impact

GFB Appropriation for One-Time Items: $1,500 increase

GFB Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase: $58,170 increase

Change in Available Surplus Funds (Line 24a) $59,670 decrease

It was MOVED by Mr. Stein, seconded by Mr. Joseph, to amend the amendment to increase property taxes to cover this. Discussion ensued concerning whether to take this from surplus or from property tax.

A show of hands vote on the amendment to the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 11, Noes - 3 (Representatives Blanchard, Todd, and Totman); Excused - 1 (Representative Koplinka-Loehr). MOTION CARRIED.

A voice vote on the amendment as amended resulted as follows: Ayes - 12, Noes - 2 (Representatives Kiefer and Winch); Excused - 1 (Representative Koplinka-Loehr). MOTION CARRIED.

The following amendment was MOVED by Mr. Proto and seconded by Mr. Winch:

WHEREAS, the Budget and Quality Planning Committee has recommended one Captain position in the 2000 Proposed Tompkins County Budget, and

WHEREAS, the need for a Criminal Investigator to support cases involving juvenile offenses is needed, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the 2000 Proposed Budget Appropriation, Line 114e, Page 37, be changed to substitute a Criminal Investigator (Juvenile) position for the Captain position resulting in a decrease of $17,000 in target funding for salary and fringe,

RESOLVED, further, That the General Fund Appropriation, Line 11, page 3 be decreased by $17,000 resulting in an increase in available surplus funds of $17,000.

Tax Rate Impact: no impact

GFB Appropriation for One-Time Items: no impact

GFB Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase: $17,000 decrease

Change in Available Surplus Funds (Line 24a) $17,000 increase

A voice vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 2 (Representatives Proto and Winch); Noes - 12; Excused - 1 (Representative Koplinka-Loehr). MOTION FAILED.

The following amendment was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Totman:

Budget Amendment No. 7 - Vital Communities Project – Circuit Rider Program

WHEREAS, the Budget and Quality Planning Committee has recommended $15,000 in one-year funding for the Vital Communities Project through the Planning Department, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the funding for the Vital Communities Project shown in the 2000 Proposed Budget on Page 43, Line 164, be decreased by $15,000,

RESOLVED, further, That the funding for the Circuit Rider Program be increased in the 2000 Proposed Budget by $5,000,

RESOLVED, further, That the General Fund Appropriation, Line 11, page 3 be decreased by $10,000 resulting in an increase in available surplus funds of $10,000.

Tax Rate Impact: no impact

GFB Appropriation for One-Time Items: $15,000 decrease

GFB Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase: $5,000 increase

A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 1 (Representative Proto); Noes - 13, Excused - 1 (Representative Koplinka-Loehr). MOTION FAILED.

The following motion was MOVED by Mr. Proto and seconded by Mr. Evans:

WHEREAS, State and Federal grants are available for various projects and initiatives, and

WHEREAS, a position to administer countywide grant procurement for a variety of uses is needed and may be self-sustaining after an initial one-year start-up period, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Contingent Fund shown in the 2000 Proposed Budget on Page 3, Line 5, be increased one-time by $40,000 in anticipation of creating a position to work on non-specific, countywide grant procurement,

RESOLVED, further, That the General Fund Appropriation, Line 11, page 3 be increased by $40,000 resulting in a decrease in available surplus funds of $40,000.

Tax Rate Impact: no impact

GFB Appropriation for One-Time Items: $40,000 increase

GFB Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase: no impact

Change in Available Surplus Funds (Line 24a) $40,000 decrease

Mr. Proto said towns are looking for help with their town budgets and need assistance looking and applying for grant money. He said he believes this position will pay for itself in a year or two and is something that would directly help municipalities. Mr. Stein said he is sympathetic to this idea; however, he thinks Administration should address the opportunities that would be gained from this and come back with a specific proposal.

A voice vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 6 (Representatives Davis, Evans, Kiefer, Proto, Mink, and Schuler); Noes - 8 (Representatives Blanchard, Joseph, Lane, Penniman, Stein, Todd, Totman, and Winch); Excused - 1 (Representative Koplinka-Loehr). MOTION FAILED.

The following amendment was MOVED by Mr. Penniman, seconded by Ms. Davis:

WHEREAS, the Budget & Quality Planning Committee has recommended that $521,000 of Tobacco Settlement funds be included in Unallocated Revenues in the 2000 Proposed Tompkins County Budget, and

WHEREAS, a portion of these funds should be reserved for yet-to-be-determined public health improvement programs, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Contingent Fund shown in the 2000 Proposed Budget on Page 3, Line 5, be increased by $100,000 in anticipation of requests for public health improvement programs, and

RESOLVED, further, That the General Fund Appropriation, Line 11, page 3 be increased by $105,000 resulting in a decrease in available surplus funds of $100,000.

Tax Rate Impact: no impact

GFB Appropriation for One-Time Items: no impact

GFB Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase: $105,000 increase

Change in Available Surplus Funds (Line 24a) $105,000 decrease

Mr. Penniman suggested doing this because he does not want the Board to be locked in to a specific amount or setting a precedent on how much of the money is going to be used. Mr. Penniman said he feels it is important that the Board indicates that it intends to spend some of this money on health-related programs.

It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer to raise the $100,000 by raising property taxes. MOTION FAILED DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND.

Mr. Evans said while he supports programs to improve public health, he has a concern that a lot of smoking prevention programs do not work well. He said he will not support another program until he can be convinced that it will work.

Mr. Stein said he cannot support this at this time. Although he supports public health programs, he does not think it is necessary to make this type of symbolic gesture at this time.

Mr. Winch said one of the symbolic messages he wants sent to the public is that the Board is concerned about the public health of all ages. He sees this as demonstrating a good faith concern for the health of all residents of Tompkins County.

Mr. Joseph said the Board has only appropriated one-quarter of the tobacco settlements and there is plenty left to be spent on health care, tobacco prevention, and other programs already mentioned.

Mr. Proto said the Board already supports a tobacco coalition that was formed by the Health Department and includes four counties. He said anyone is able to present the Board with a specific proposal for use of these funds.

At this time Mr. Penniman withdrew his motion.

Stabilization of Tax Rate

It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Totman, to approve the following amendment affecting both the tax rate and General Fund Balance:

RESOLVED, That the Deferred Tax Increase shown on Page 3, Line 23 be increased by $375,000, and

RESOLVED, further, That the Property Tax Levy be reduced by $375,000 resulting in a Property Tax Rate DECREASE to the 1999 rate of $5.20 per thousand of assessed value, a zero percent change over the prior year.

Tax Rate Impact: $375,000 decrease

GFB Appropriation for One-Time Items: no impact

GFB Appropriation for Deferred Tax Increase: $375,000 increase

Change in Available Surplus Funds (Line 24a) $375,000 decrease

A show of hands vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 4 (Representatives Evans, Todd, Totman, and Winch); Noes - 10, Excused - 1 (Representative Koplinka-Loehr). MOTION FAILED.

Mr. Joseph said he checked into what the inflation rate is and said it is 2.6 percent; therefore, the Board is adopting a budget at a rate less than inflation. Mr. Todd noted that spending is well above that rate. He said although there are many portions of the budget he does not support, he will vote in favor of the budget because of the funds allocated to the Highway Division.

Mr. Joseph said he will support the budget because he sees it as a process of compromise and working together. He feels this was an easier budget this year because there was a large surplus and an influx of tobacco money. He expressed concern that over the past three years the Board has moved from supporting ongoing departmental expenses from tax revenues to using surplus funds.

A voice vote on the resolution to adopt the 2000 Tompkins County Budget resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Representative Koplinka-Loehr). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, on October 12 , 1999, a proposed budget for the year 2000 was recommended by the Budget & Quality Planning Committee and a public hearing has been duly called and held on November 9, 1999, pursuant to the provision of Section 5.06 of the County Charter and Code and all persons desiring to be heard concerning same have been heard, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That pursuant to Section 5.07 of the County Charter and Code, the said proposed budget as amended is adopted, subject to the correction of manifest errors by the Clerk of the Board and Budget Officer, as the budget of Tompkins County for the year 2000,

RESOLVED, further, That pursuant to Section 5.03, 5.04 and 5.05 of the County Charter and Code, the several amounts specified in such budget opposite each item of expenditure set forth in the column adopted are appropriated for the objects and purposes specified, effective January 1, 2000,

RESOLVED, further, That the sum of $18,914,064 required to meet expenses and costs of county government in Tompkins County for the fiscal year 2000 as set forth in the budget be assessed against, levied upon, and collected from the taxable property of the nine towns and the city liable therefore.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-21

RESOLUTION NO. 279 - ADOPTION OF 2000-2004 TOMPKINS COUNTY CAPITAL PROGRAM

MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.

WHEREAS, the proposed Budget for the year 2000 and the proposed 2000-2004 Capital Program have been presented to the Board by the Budget Officer and a public hearing has been duly called and held on November 9, 1999, pursuant to the provision of Section 5.06 of the County Charter and Code and all persons desiring to be heard concerning same have been heard, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Capital Program Committee, That pursuant to Section 5.07 of the County Charter and Code, the said proposed capital program as amended is adopted, subject to the correction of manifest errors by the Clerk of the Board and Budget Officer, as the capital program of Tompkins County for the years 2000-2004.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Report from the Library Coordination Committee

Mr. Proto, Chairman, said Committee members should have received a packet of materials that will be discussed at the meeting on November 19.

Report from the Communications Capital Project Committee

Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported on a presentation that was given to Senator Seward and Assemblyman Luster on all of the projects, including the Towers Microwave Trunking, DOT, CISNET, highway outpost, and E911. She said every member of the various partners involved in these projects were in attendance and the meeting was a huge success due to the work of Administration.

Report from the Public Safety Building Committee

Mr. Joseph, Chairman, said there needs to be a lot of thoughtful discussion by both this Board and the public on the very serious policy issue of what changes should be made to the Public Safety Building.
 
 

Report from the Library Coordination Committee

Ms. Mink, Chair, said all Board members will receive a copy of a letter that she wrote to the building trades. She thanked Mr. Joseph for his hard work as Chairman of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee during this year's budget process.

Approval of Minutes of November 3, 1999

It was MOVED by Mr. Totman, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of November 3, 1999 as submitted. MINUTES APPROVED.

Adjournment

On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.