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Deadlocked Senate has county manager nervous about revenue

By Howard B. Owens

While it's pleasant to think that a broken state Senate means no state-damaging legislation can get passed, some of the bills pending while the Senate argues over leadership roles are important to the operation of local governments.

One of those bills, if not passed, could cost Genesee County as well of all the local towns, villages and the City of Batavia up to $8 million in annual revenue. The funds are used by the county to fund capital projects as well as pay down debt; for the city, towns and villages, the tax is part of operational revenue.

"That's going to cause a significant amount as havoc as we're trying to finish out our fiscal year," said County Manager Jay Gsell.

Every two years, the legislature must reauthorize authority for an a local-option additional 1 percent sales tax in Genesee County, as well as 36 other counties. The 1 percent is added to the permanent three percent levied by the county, plus the state's four percent makes for the 8 percent paid by county residents on local purchases.

It's only that 1 percent that must be reauthorized every two years.  And so has been the case since 1996.

To make up that revenue, Gsell said, the county would need to raise property taxes by $1.80 per assessed $1,000 value of a property.

If the bill isn't signed into law by September, the tax revenue could be lost and it could impact regional revenue for this year and the 2010-2011 budget.

"There is nobody even now who will even say we have a quote unquote quorum and we're going to official going to conduct business," Gsell noted. "My sense is there is so much back and forth and posturing going on that these, what should really be just ministerial functions, are not going to occur."

Audio: Jay Gsell talks about sales tax.

Chelsea O'Brien

"There is nobody even now who will even say we have a quote unquote quorum and we're going to official going to conduct business," Gsell noted.

what is a quote unquote quorum? A quorum cannot be called until there is leadership to call a quorum.

My problem is the fact that we're still paying these people regardless if they're officially meeting or not.

Jun 16, 2009, 8:45am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Local government services are the most essential services. Don't confuse the bloat of Albany and Washington with Genesee County. Spending less here means more pot holes, fewer cops and less responsive government.

Jun 16, 2009, 8:47am Permalink
Chelsea O'Brien

I am sure that the state government will be put back together by September.

I'm almost positive there are state laws that say how long these things can go on before the courts or governor's office steps in.

But I also, somewhat, agree with Peter. We all have expected revenue and when something happens a responsible person cuts back and makes choices. While I understand local services are important, being fiscally responsible is also important.

Jun 16, 2009, 9:18am Permalink
John Roach

While I understand the need for the Genesee County to know when and if the money is coming, look at the bright side.

As long as they can not do anything, they can not hurt us either with more stupid laws or taxes .

Jun 16, 2009, 10:36am Permalink
Dave Meyer

John...while I agree with your statement, the fact that we're paying 212 of these bozos (when you include the assembly) a minimum of $75K a year for a part time job to carry on like children on a playground makes my blood boil.
I've said it before and I'll say it again.

EVERY MEMBER of the legislature should be voted out of office when they are up for election next because if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Will the voters remember this current debacle? I will and I sincerely hope that everyone does.

Jun 16, 2009, 1:13pm Permalink

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