COUNTY APPROVES IDA BONDS FOR MEDICAL CENTER IMPROVEMENTS
The Legislature voted unanimously to approve the issuance of $20 million in tax-free bonds for a multi-faceted project being planned by Cayuga Medical Center. The bond issuer is the Industrial Development Agency (IDA). The Medical Center is expanding and renovating several areas at its main campus on Dates Drive, off State Route 96 North. Projects at the main campus include a new radiation facility, an addition to house Information Services and conference and training rooms, and renovations to the entrance area. The Imaging Center at the Medical Center's East Campus, on Warren Road, will also be renovated. Contact: Michael Lane, Chair, Planning, Development, and Environmental Quality Committee, 844-8440.

OFF TRACK BETTING MAY GO TO PUBLIC VOTE
A group of citizens has begun collecting signatures to put Off Track Betting on the ballot this November for voter approval or rejection. A representative of the group, which calls itself the OTB Referendum Initiative, addressed the Legislature and reported that 70 people are carrying petitions to gather enough signatures to bring about a referendum. The group has about 30 days to collect the required 2,819 signatures. Off Track Betting was approved by the Tompkins County Legislature on September 2, by a vote of 8-7. County officials have been told they can expect $200,000 to $300,000 a year in new revenue from OTB proceeds. OTB was taken to permissive referendum in 1978 and again in 1991; both times it was turned down by a majority of the voters. Contact: Peter Penniman, Chair, Budget & Capital Committee, 387-3928, 387-5897.

SALES TAX REVENUE CONTINUES TO OUTSTRIP LAST YEAR RETURNS
Finance Director David Squires reported that the County has seen a slight gain in sales tax revenue in each of the past four months, reversing the trend of lower returns in the beginning of the year. As of the end of August, the County has received nearly $400,000 more in sales tax than at the same time last year. Contact: David Squires, 274-5545.

COUNTY HELPS CLUBS RECEIVE SNOWMOBILE GRANT
Although three of its members were concerned about adequate protection of the environment, the Legislature gave unanimous approval to a measure that will allow five local snowmobile clubs to receive state funds for maintenance and development of snowmobile trails in Tompkins County. A grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation will allow the clubs to maintain 115 miles of trail, much of it on state forest or park land. The County Planning Department has agreed to be the necessary municipal sponsor for the annual grant since 1998. Contact: Michael Lane, Chair, Planning, Development, and Environmental Quality Committee, 844-8440.

MUSEUM ACKNOWLEDGES COUNTY TOURISM FUNDING
In conjunction with a tourism grant to the Museum of the Earth, a plaque saying "From the People of Tompkins County" will be mounted near the Ice Age Garden exhibit at the new museum, set to open in early 2004. Tourism grants use revenue collected from a room occupancy tax on overnight lodging in the County. Contact: Michael Lane, Chair, Planning, Development, and Environmental Quality Committee, 844-8440.

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