COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

JANUARY 25, 1999

 

ATTENDANCE:

B & A MEMBERS: Wishnie, Abinanti, Carsky, Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Latimer, Mosiello, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, Young

OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Kate Tooher, Leslie Bennett; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; Tax Commission: Margaret Iacomini; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; BOL: Chris Chang, Barbara Dodds, Robert J. Boland, Tina Seckerson

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m.

DISCUSSION: (There is a cassette tape on file for more detailed information)

MINUTES:

  • Legislator LaMotte had some concerns with regard to settlement amount of $600,000 in the Matter of Application of Joseph M. Stancari, as Commissioner of the Department of Correction of Westchester County and the County of Westchester v. New York State Correctional Services, et al.; when the County estimated that the State owed $681,500. Mr. Wishnie informed Mrs. LaMotte that County Attorney Scheinkman explained this matter in full to the Committee and that $600,000 was a good settlement. He further stated that perhaps Mrs. LaMotte would benefit from an explanation from Mr. Scheinkman on the matter.
  • Legislator Kaplowitz made a correction to the Minutes on page 3, under the Nurses contract. The contract contains a 2% lump sum payment for each of two years, not just one 2% lump sum payment as was reflected in the draft version of the minutes.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve the Minutes of January 25, 1999 (as amended) was carried by a vote of 8-0. (Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for vote)

BONDS:

Distribution of incoming bond acts to sub-committees.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – JANUARY 25, 1999

PAGE 2

 

EQUALIZATION RATES:
  • Margaret Iacomini, Executive Director of the Tax Commission was in for a general discussion of equalization rates.
  • Taxable assessed value divided by the equalization rate gives the full value. The equalization rate for each of the 25 municipalities (19 towns, 6 cities) is different. Equalization rates are determined by the state, assessment value is determined by the municipality.
  • Filing date for assessment rolls for towns is September 15th, and varies for cities according to individual charters.
  • Breakdown of property is as follows: residential (including condos), vacant land, commercial (including co-ops) and special entities.
  • Equalization rates changed in 1999. This year, for the first time, sales price for residential property only was used as a basis for equalization rates.
  • Community has the opportunity to object to sample property used.
  • New 1998 equalization rates – community has 90 days to protest.
  • Legislator Carsky asked if there is a better way to get equity for all communities. Ms. Iacomini stated that revaluation would provide equity.

A&C CALENDAR:

The A&C Calendar for January 28, 1999 was distributed.

OTHER BUSINESS:
  • Health Benefits: Legislator Carsky requested a meeting be set up with Phil Speziale for an overview of health benefits with a focus on the increasing impact of health care costs. Ms. Tooher stated that the BKS 3 year forecast will include health care projections and will be available in the spring. She stated that her office is also available to discuss any aspect of health care costs.
  • Courthouse Renovations: Legislator LaMotte requested a meeting be set up to inform the Legislators of any updates on courthouse renovations.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.