Highlights of the May 16, 2006 Tompkins County Legislature Meeting

The Legislature passed a resolution (8 to 6; 1 Legislator absent) to establish a goal of a maximum tax levy increase of 2.8% and a 0% tax rate change for the 2007 Budget. As part of the budget process, Tompkins County develops financial parameters in order to establish a framework for budget preparation. According to the resolution, “the County Administrator will work with staff to recommend modifications to employee health and prescription costs and further consolidations of departments and functions where opportunities exist for improved efficiencies.”

In recognition of his service as a volunteer member of the Danby Volunteer Fire Company, the Legislature honored Thomas Schwartz with the Distinguished Youth Award. Thomas joined the Danby Volunteer Fire Company as a Junior Firefighter in December of 2004 and has since been on the scene at fire and rescue calls.

During his volunteer work with Danby Volunteer Fire Company, he completed extensive Fire Course and Medical training. Danby’s Fire Chief stated that Thomas is a “very dependable member of the Danby Volunteer Fire Company. He willingly does whatever is asked of him.” After his 18th birthday, Thomas moved up to adult firefighter status. He received the Rookie of the Year award at Danby Volunteer Fire Company’s Recognition Dinner held April 6, 2006.

The Legislature voted unanimously (14 to 0; 1 Legislator absent) to authorize an application for a 2006 federal Job Access and Reverse Commute Grant (JARC). The federal Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) is a county sponsored program under the Federal Transit Administration.

This application seeks $544,963 in federal JARC funds to provide new transportation and other support services targeted to benefit working parents earning up to 200% of the federal poverty income level. JARC is also used to provide transportation services to help move TANF recipients into the work force. If received, JARC funds would be used over a period of three years and must be matched 100% by other federal, state, or local funds that will be identified prior to service implementation.

The Legislature voted (11 to 2; 2 Legislators were absent) to charge the County Administrator to work with a Management Team to develop a strategic plan based on the Focus Area recommendations developed through the Strategic Planning process and accepted by the Tompkins County Legislature.

The County completed a Strategic Planning process in 2005 that involved the gathering and compilation of comprehensive input from Department Heads and Legislators. Focus Area recommendations were developed through the Strategic Planning process, and accepted as a guide for organization-wide improvements over the next 3-5 years. The Focus Areas cover (1) Long-Range Fiscal Viability, (2) Improved Decision Making Tools and Program Flexibility, (3) Support of the Workforce, and (4) Equity and Justice.