As Presently Constituted:
Can County & Local Governments Survive?
Re-Design or Re-Organization of Government

In my State of the County address on March 10, 2010, I proposed having a public discussion concerning Re-Design or Re-Organization of government that had to go beyond County government. My Administration, over the years, has eliminated departments and merged others to be a more efficient provider of services, at less cost to the taxpayers. In Putnam County, taxes account for 9.5 cents of every property tax dollar paid by residents. County government is but only one of the 120 taxing districts in Putnam County. The status quo, while familiar - is unsustainable.

The traditional form of government, in New York State, may be considered an endangered species. Can it provide the services that New Yorkers expect and demand and still be affordable? What about other service providers, such as, lighting districts, fire and police services? All these services are necessary and all are taxing entities. Here, in Putnam County, we support nine (9) school districts, not withstanding the fact that we are the second smallest county in New York State. The old formula of raising taxes and fees for services is no longer viable.

Re-Organization of municipal and other services to provide greater efficiency and cost reductions must be addressed. The luxury of maintaining duplication of important services by each and every local municipality is financially untenable. Do we need a tax assessor in every town? What about a consolidated approach to our Highway Departments? Is County Government necessary for 100,000 residents?

At the State of the County address, I proposed holding Town Meetings to get input from you, the residents of Putnam County. The key question I will be asking each speaker is to propose a new governance system assuming we had none in the past.. .one where all persons count, and not one too much! I believe that the only way to achieve real change in government is with the support of our citizens.

Click here to see the 2011 Budget Message

 

FACT #1 Putnam County went from being first in sales tax revenue growth in 2008 to the second highest in sales tax revenue decline in 2009 FACT #2 Property tax revenue fell short by $3.5 million, as property owners encountered difficulty paying their property taxes FACT #3 Outstanding property tax liens rose by 26% FACT #4 County Clerk Fees and DMV surcharge revenues fell short of budgeted expectations as activity from home and auto sales plunged FACT #5 In 2009, County operating revenues totaled $132.1 million, nearly $4.3 million short of our adopted budget of $136.4 million