“Good leadership leads you in the right direction.” — T.J. Briggs.
The big bucks
At the urging of the county executive, the legislature got an early start on a monetary matter of the utmost importance, the extension late this year of the “temporary” 1 percent sales tax surcharge enacted in 2002 and extended five times since. The tax expires in November, and action to extend it will be required before the state legislature adjourns in June.
They’re talking serious money. The 1 percent special sales tax — which in fact most counties impose — is projected to raise $22.5 million. Without it, property taxes would skyrocket, or some $20 million worth of programs and jobs will go south. Some may urge “belt-tightening,” but this goes well beyond a few notches.
While the county legislature will approve, there will be some nibbling around the edges. John Parete, for instance, said some portion should go to relieve what he called a county “unfunded mandate” to offset an estimated $600,000 in election expenses this year. In a local election year, that one just might fly.
