PRESS RELEASE
January 22, 2008

Legislators Concerned About Fee Hikes, Lack of Mandate Relief

County Would Lose More Than $300,000 for Juvenile Detention

Members of the majority of the Rensselaer County Legislature said they are concerned about the number of fee increases included in the 2008-2009 state budget proposed by Governor Spitzer, along with the lack of mandate relief included in the spending plan.

The proposed budget would also cost the county more than $300,000 in aid used for juvenile detention, with the aid set to be erased during the coming state fiscal year. The state would also force counties to consider raising county fees to address the rising state expenses and mandates.

“This is a budget proposal that goes in the wrong direction for the residents of New York. There are too many fee increases and no plan for mandate relief, which is an issue that desperately needs to be addressed,” said Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher.

“The last thing New York State needs is more fee increases. Forty-seven fee increases means more money out of the pocket of New Yorkers. Even worse, is the state’s plan to force counties to raise additional fees to cover costs not being addressed by the state,” added Legislator Martin Reid.

Along with failing to address state mandates, the state does not provide for additional aid for the state-ordered expansion of the county jail. Legislators said they are additionally concerned about management of the jail population because the state is planning to close two medium-security prisons in the region. The reduction of more than $300,000 for juvenile detention will further hurt the county.

“That expense is unfair for counties and unfortunately is an expense that will only grow in the coming years. This reduction in state aid for juvenile detention will definitely have a negative impact on the county budget,” said Vice Chairman of the Legislature Thomas Walsh Sr.

“Governor Spitzer promised so much when he ran for office. It’s time to deliver on those promises. This budget unfortunately fails to do that,” said Majority Leader Robert Mirch.

Legislators said they are hopeful the state maintains funding for protection of open space. Rensselaer County was recently selected for four farmland protection projects, more than any other county in 2007.

“One bright spot has been the state support for farmland protection. We certainly hope the state continues to provide those resources to help preserve open space,” said Legislator Ken Herrington, chairman of the Legislature’s Agricultural Committee.

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