Potosek (lef):
“… to ensure we have a resilient economy”
MONTICELLO – “Sullivan County Government has never been better,” proclaimed County Manager Joshua Potosek, in presenting his 2019 budget proposal to county legislators on Thursday. The $235 million budget reflects a 4.5 percent increase in the county’s total assessed value, which means they can lower the property tax levy next year by 1.6 percent. Residential solid waste fees will drop from $120 to $80. The commercial fee drops from $300 to $200.
Potosek said the remarkable rebound in recent years results from economic opportunities, even if one in particular has fallen short of expectations.
“We have seen solid growth here due to recent economic development projects. This budget anticipates an increase of $3.75 million in sales taxes as compared to 2018. Budget also anticipates $2 million in casino revenue sharing, a welcome new revenue source but only a quarter of what was originally projected before the casino opened.”
That, the county manager said, points to the importance of economic diversity.
“I feel that one of the most important things we can do as a county government is to ensure we have a resilient economy. We’ve always been very supportive of our tourism economy and that industry has been the catalyst for our resurgence. However, we must protect the county from being reliant on any single industry and so this budget recommends funding the environmental analysis needed for the Old Route 17 shovel-ready corridor project to become a reality.”
A partial list of Potosek’s priorities includes:
$8.8 million for road and bridgework throughout the County, in addition to an already-approved $10 million bond that’s replacing five aging bridges
An additional $900,000 to maintain the Sullivan County Land Bank’s incredibly successful pace in acquiring and rehabbing/demolishing eyesore structures
$200,000 for local towns and villages to demolish unsafe structure
$200,000 for a broadband pilot project that will bring high-speed Internet access to underserved areas of the Village of Monticello and Town of Thompson – if successful, this venture can be replicated Countywide, utilizing existing County communications towers
$150,000 for new Public Transportation routes, set to debut this April
Reaction to the budget was immediately favorable.
Management and budget Committee Chairman Scott Samuelson said this continues a winning record.
“As it has been in the past few years, I think Josh and the entire management budget team has done an incredible job of identifying all of the places where we can save money, all of the places where we should spend money, the important places and I think they do a great job,” Samuelson said.
Fellow legislator Nadia Rajsz agreed, saying “I think we’re moving in the right direction.”
“Perfect,” proclaimed legislature Chairman Louis Alvarez who said it could be adopted as presented. Asked if there is anything he would change: “I would recommend more, a better salary for the employees,” Alvarez said.
Legislators have until December 13 to review and adopt the budget. Public hearings on the budget proposal will be held on December 11 at 5:30 p.m. and December 13 at 9:30 a.m. in the Hearing Room of the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello.
