County Exec's comments about state budget

[wcup102]

Did anyone read the article today in the OD about the meeting that Picente had with Spitzer about the state budget and how it affects the county? Picente stated it's "not good". Apparently the county will be required to pick up more that the state will not be funding such as transporting kids to detention. It was previously split 50/50, now the county has to pay all. HELLO!!! Maybe it is time to build that secure detention facility and non-secure facility that should have been built 20 years ago. They would generate revenue better than the county jail, believe me, I transport these kids. Some facilities get $800/day for a kid and some facilities have 6 or 8 of Oneida County kids in them.

Plus, why the hell drop the sales tax 1/4 percent when everyone was used to the 9%? No one liked it but they were used to it and everyone payed it, now the landowners are being made to paid some of the difference. If I recall the numbers correctly, that 1/4 percent cost 7 million in revenue lost and the property tax increase was only going to make up about $500 grand.(I could be wrong with figures) Where is the fiscal responsibility of our elected officials? I reali9ze the sales tax was due to sunset, but with proper county legislation to the state it could have been continued. Is it me being cynical and critical or is this ass backwards to alleviating tax burdens and generating revenue? I get so pissed off sometimes I lose my train of thought while typing (LOL) I wanted to say something else but can't remember and my thoughts go faster than my fingers and I mispell shit!! Oh well, mull this over a while I'll be back.

[wcup102]

I also forgot to include the overtime for 2 dep's, the meals for them and the fuel, wear and tear of the car which averages about $500 per trip which occurs from once a week to almost a dozen times a week with sometimes several teams going in different directions across the state in any weather to lodge Oneida County kids outside the county.

[thelma]

wcup - what is the minimum age to be locked up in Oneida County Jail?

I know of a case where this "hoodlum" has violated probation, was violated and sent to OCJ for a few weeks. He was 16 at the time and placed under house arrest - which he violated; stole his mother's car, wrecked it, and now they don't know what to do with him. He just turned 17 and brags that nothing or nobody scares him. If anyone needs to be locked up in a Detention Home until they are 21, it is this boy.

[frankcor]

It matters not to me whether my hard-earned income is confiscated through sales tax or through property tax or through state income tax. The problem isn't the tax. It's the spending. Instead of whining about state aid or mandates, I believe Picente's time would be better spent analyzing each and every program funded by Oneida County and directing the least effective ones to be shut down.


But noooooooooo ....

[Swimmy]

wcup102 said:

Is it me being cynical and critical or is this ass backwards to alleviating tax burdens and generating revenue? I get so pissed off sometimes I lose my train of thought while typing

You're preaching to the choir here. :-)

[wcup102]

Thelma,

The minumum age to go to jail is 16. However if a case is started in Family Court, such as a PINS case when they are under 16, they can stay in the family court system until 18 under PINS. Also if they are over 16, but under PINS in Family court and they get arrested for a crime, they can still go to jail and the case, depending on severity or court discretion, can be transferred to Family court or dual case pending, one in Family court and one in criminal court. Usually they try to keep it in Family court. I hope i Didn't confuse you.

[Clipper]

A ton of money could be saved it Oneida county would realize the futility of fighting the OIN, and make an agreement for payments in leiu of taxes. The money saved and the payment from the OIN, would more than make up for the shortfalls, and MAYBE ALLOW SUCH FOR WORTHWHILE THINGS AS A RAISE FOR OUR SHERIFF'S DEPT. DEPUTIES!

Deputy pay is a worthwhile program, and Townsends continued personal vendetta against the OIN should be funded only with Townsend's money and any he can raise elsewhere. Instead of fighting the OIN, we should be negotiating a settlement good for both of us, and be fostering an environment of cooperation that contributes to the economy and tourism appeal of the whole area.

The 1/4 percent decrease in the sales tax was fiscally irresponsible and blatantly political. Just some more of the politicians election year crap, smiling to our faces while it is the other end of our anatomy that they actually had their eye on, and were planning to stick it to. Believe me, THEY HAD DONE THE MATH, AND DEPENDED ON THE FACT THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE THE NUMBERS.

[wcup102]

You are so right, clip. The OIN issue needs to be resolved with a payment plan as you will never see any taxation come from it, in our lifetime anyway.

[frankcor]

That's true, wcup. The OIN has demonstrated they are willing to pay. They just won't pay taxes.

[Swimmy]

They offered to pay something like 15% but the state turned it down demanding 33 or 35%, killing any hope of a mutually acceptable settlement.

[wcup102]

Yup, so let' sue them, spend millions and still get squat. I should run for office. I would love to frivously squander millions of dollars, give my friends cushy high paying jobs that are just for show, not have to have a car payment or fuel bill, etc., etc. However I would not last as I have a concious and it would probably get the best of me and then I would puit my foot down, piss off all the cronies and only be a one term official. You notice I did not specify which office? That's because they all come with the same perks, just on different levels. LOL!!

[frankcor]

wcup for President!

[Swimmy]

I've always said, the best way to get in and effectuate change is to play by their rules to get in, then play by the actual rules. You'll only be a one termer, but imagine all the good you could do. I'll vote for ya' wcup102.