| REAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION APPLICATIONS, DUE MARCH 1 The Tompkins County Department of Assessment would like to remind citizens that renewal and new applications for Real Property Tax Exemptions are due on March 1, 2006. Applications can be filed at the Department of Assessment’s office located at 128 East Buffalo Street, 2nd Floor in the City of Ithaca. The department mailed out renewal applications in December of 2005 and sent automated telephone calls to individuals who have not filed a renewal application on February 14, 2006. As of today, approximately 800 renewal Enhanced STAR and Senior Citizen exemptions have not been filed. Applications are available at the department’s office. With the exception of the Agricultural Land Exemption application (due April 1, 2006), all renewal and new applications for Real Property Tax Exemptions are due on March 1, 2006. Citizens do not have to apply for Basic STAR Exemptions. Individuals who cannot visit the Department of Assessment’s office are encourage to call the department for special arrangements. BANGS AMBULANCE SERVICE PRESENTS DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARDS In recognition of their heroic efforts, Bangs Ambulance Service presented Distinguished Citizen Awards to Michael Trunkes, Craig Beierle, and Judy Rosen. The citizens were instrumental in saving the life of Francis Russell who choked on food while dining at the Boatyard Grill. Honorees received a first aid kit from Bangs Ambulance Service; a plaque from A&B Awards and Engraving; a gift certificate and T-Shirt from Purity Ice Cream; a prize package from Cayuga Radio Group; and gift certificates from the Boatyard Grill. LEGISLATURE CONFIRMS INTERIM APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR, OFFICE FOR THE AGING By unanimous vote (12 to 0; 3 Legislators were absent), the Legislature confirmed Lisa Holmes as interim Director of the Office for the Aging (COFA). A permanent appointment of the Director will be made once the results of a civil service exam are known. Ms. Holmes will fill the position created by the retirement of Irene Stein who served as the Director since 1992. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Holmes served as the Aging Services Planner for COFA –a position that she held for seven years. The appointment of Ms. Holmes will be effective as of March 1, 2006. LEGISLATURE AUTHORIZES LEASE FOR DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES OFFICE The Legislature unanimous voted (12 to 0; 3 Legislators were absent), authorizing the County to enter into a five-year lease for the Department of Motor Vehicles office located in the Hancock Plaza, 301 Third Street in the City of Ithaca. The decision to re-lease the current facility was based upon an analysis of alternative locations in the county. The Hancock Plaza site prevailed as the best option due to the location’s accessibility to pedestrians, automobiles, and public transit. In addition, the site provides ample parking and significant street frontage. The negotiated lease amount is $1.18 per square foot each month during the first year. Thereafter, the lease amount increases 3% annually to a maximum of $1.33 per square foot each month during the fifth year. The County’s current lease will expire on April 30, 2006. It is important to note that the Department of Motor Vehicles generates significant revenue for the County. The department encourages citizens to conduct business in person or mail documents to the Hancock office, as it translates into direct revenue for the County. Internet transactions and documents that are mailed to other DMV offices result in a loss of revenue to the County. |