Called to Order

 Mr. Joseph called the public hearing to order at 7 p.m. concerning the 2005 Tompkins County Tentative Budget and 2005-2009 Capital Program.  He asked if any member of the public wished to speak.

 Greg Stevenson, Town of Enfield resident and member of the Enfield Town Board, spoke in opposition to the tax rate increase proposed in the 2005 Tompkins County Budget.  Mr. Stevenson said he has seen some significant property tax increases over the last few years and while the 2005 increase is lower in comparison to recent years, he believes it is still high.  He thinks Tompkins County Legislators need to work harder to meet the initial goal of three percent, especially when the larger taxing authorities keep taxing more.

 Joel Zumoff, City of Ithaca resident and Alderman, spoke regarding the Public Safety Building.  He said he understands the difficulty of the situation; however, he feels the County should not move forward with building a new Jail because it is not needed.  Mr. Zumoff said there are many State mandates the County can do nothing about but believes this is one the County can say no to and should refuse to build a new facility.    He stated many people view taxes as something negative.  He sees taxes as a way of spending money for services that are needed by everyone and not just for an individual.  He said he pays taxes to cover expenses for the Sheriff, road, and a lot of other things to make Tompkins County a nice place to live.  He said taxes are an expenditure for a quality of life and this Legislature needs to figure out what Tompkins County and Ithaca needs to improve its quality of life and what it will cost.

 Ms. Robertson arrived at  7:08 p.m.

 Richard Flaville, Village of Lansing resident, spoke of the Tompkins County Public Library.  He stated he has been on the Friends of the Library Board for twenty years and recalls the allotment at that time to the County Library being $500.   Mr. Flaville said over the last ten years the Friends of the Library has given $1.6 million.  He feels the Legislature should start thinking about providing more financial support instead of relying on the Friends of the Library.

 Donald Barber, Town of Caroline Supervisor, spoke about issues relating to law enforcement, such as traffic safety, speeding vehicles, and overweight trucks on roads. He said having laws is meaningless unless there is enforcement.  Mr. Barber said there is reliance on the State Police and County Sheriff to provide services to protect the residents of Tompkins County.   He said the County Legislature sets the level of road patrol for the Sheriff's Office and he does not support the reduction he has seen over the last few years because deputies not only do road patrol, but have a variety of other responsibilities such as Airport security, Courthouse security, and boat patrol.   Mr. Barber said he understands the fiscal constraints the County is under but feels the current level of road patrol for the County is not acceptable.   He asked that a Task Force be established to work on evaluating the 2003 criminal justice survey, gain an understanding of the capabilities and responsibilities of the road patrol deputies, evaluate the law enforcement needs of municipalities, establish an agreement for a level to provide safety to residents and establish a plan to pay for those services.   Mr. Barber urged the Legislature to develop a system and resources for adequate law enforcement for future years.
 
 Jim Gilmore, Town of Ithaca resident, spoke regarding the communications project.  He stated he is an ex-radio broadcaster in this community and has a knowledge of the communications industry.  Mr. Gilmore said he is bothered by the cost of the new safety towers for the community and feels the cost is too expensive.   He asked that additional information and opinions be gathered prior to the County committing to a project costing $20 million.

 No one else wished to speak and the public hearing was closed at 7:20 p.m.