Supervisors approve 2019 budget

WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. >> With just a 0.3 percent increase in its property tax levy, the Madison County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed its $122 million 2019 budget on Tuesday.

The board opted to raise property taxes by a nominal amount, bumping the tax levy up only $137,740 – or 0.365 percent over the levy raised by taxes last year. Before adjustments are made, the average tax rate for municipalities in Madison County will be $9.10 per $1,000 of assessed value next year. Some residents may even see a decrease in their county property tax rate.

“It’s a good budget,” Chairman John Becker said, commending County Treasurer Cindy Edick and the budget officers who worked on next year’s budget.

Vice Chairman Dan Degear called it an “applaudable budget.”

“Nobody does that these days,” he said of the county’s efforts to minimize a tax increase.

“Madison County has again set a fine example about fiscal management and the state should take notice,” said Assemblyman-elect and Brookfield Supervisor John Salka. Salka defeated Bill Magee for the 121st Assembly District seat in November’s election.

Because next year’s budget didn’t exceed the state-imposed property tax cap, the board rescinded previous legislation that gave it the option to override the cap.

Besides passing the budget, the board voted on 60 other resolu-

tions, largely renewing existing contracts into next year.

The board set the days for meetings next year as the second Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m., the same days and time as this year. Its first meeting, its organizational meeting, will be held Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. with a second meeting Jan. 17 at 10:30 a.m. for approving the payment of claims.

In other business, the board signed off on an agreement to lease vehicles instead of purchasing new ones for its fleet. The shift from purchasing to leasing is estimated to save the county $1.8 million during the next 10 years and allow the county to more regularly update its f leet. Next year, the county will spend $490,000 on vehicle leases.

The board signed off on hiring Environmental Design and Research, D.P.C., to develop a trail system and viewing areas of the lower and upper falls at Delphi Falls County Park.

A resolution was passed establishing a disposal fee of $150 per ton for all wind turbine components from the Fenner Wind Farm. Some turbines will be updated with new components and the old parts will goto the county landfill. The board also approved an agreement with Environmental Products and Services for $20,000 a year for the collection, processing and disposal of hazardous household waste.

A $10,000 expenditure was also approved for a fireworks display during the grand opening event for the courthouse, expected to be held in the spring.