The Monroe County Budget is out, and has been out since a few days before the election (a surprise). Its pretty much what we suspected, supporting the “FAIR” plan, this budget eliminates funding to suburban school districts that was part of the Morin-Ryan tax sharing plan and has the MCC charge back to taxpayers. Although the Administration claims its is funding the suburban “tax credit”  ( a credit that goes on suburban tax bills that was part of Morin-Ryan) it is not real clear how the county gives town tax credit or even gives the town the money. Its unclear from the budget where this tax credit money is hiding.

We also see some other issues with the budget – there is an increase in the tax levy – so that even though the County Administration is “lowering” the tax rate, people are paying more in taxes.  Another little trick in this budget is that the County plans to sell delinquent tax liens — a one shot deal that will result in the County loses future income.  The Budget, also gives the Sports Development Corporation $82,500 and the Greater Rochester Sports Authority $285,000 from the Hotel/Motel tax. Although we continue to ask we have not gotten a straight answer as to what this money is used for and why this money isn’t used to pay for the rent that they budget as revenue, but never collect Frontier Field

A Public Hearing on the budget is scheduled for December 6, 2007 at 6 PM at the same time as the Ways and Means committee. Take a look at the budget online at http://www.monroecounty.gov/files/Communications/2008_monroe_county_proposed_budget.pdf   stop into the hearing and have your say! Call 585-753-1950 to sign up to speak. 

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