Anthony Picente unveils $371 million proposed budget
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: October 5, 2012
The 2013 proposed budget has officially been unveiled by Oneida County Executive, Anthony Picente.
While it doesn't include steep cuts like in 2012, there will be some changes in the proposed $317 million budget.
Picente says there will be a possible 2.95% property tax increase for the county, and says the biggest reason for the increase is because of state mandated costs.
"What's happening is revenues are not keeping up with expenditures, and while I think it's a minimal tax increase, nobody likes a tax increase of any amount. But, it's necessary when the amount of services you have to provide are so great," said Picente.
Along with a tax increase, Picente announced a new proposed collaboration with Onondaga County for regional medical examiner services.
Picente says it's in the same net cost as the current system, but residents will be getting a better service.
But, Minority Leader of the Democratic Caucus doesn't agree.
"I believe it's going to be more costly. I think in cases where an autopsy has to be done in Onondaga County, it can be an inconvenience for the family," said Frank Tallarino.
After hearing Picente's presentation on Friday, Republican Majority Leader, George Joseph says he doesn't believe there should be any disappointment from taxpayers.
"There's always an expectation of services that we have to deliver, and whether we can meet that I have the confidence that we have gone above and beyond to try and do that," said Joseph.
While it doesn't include steep cuts like in 2012, there will be some changes in the proposed $317 million budget.
Picente says there will be a possible 2.95% property tax increase for the county, and says the biggest reason for the increase is because of state mandated costs.
"What's happening is revenues are not keeping up with expenditures, and while I think it's a minimal tax increase, nobody likes a tax increase of any amount. But, it's necessary when the amount of services you have to provide are so great," said Picente.
Along with a tax increase, Picente announced a new proposed collaboration with Onondaga County for regional medical examiner services.
Picente says it's in the same net cost as the current system, but residents will be getting a better service.
But, Minority Leader of the Democratic Caucus doesn't agree.
"I believe it's going to be more costly. I think in cases where an autopsy has to be done in Onondaga County, it can be an inconvenience for the family," said Frank Tallarino.
After hearing Picente's presentation on Friday, Republican Majority Leader, George Joseph says he doesn't believe there should be any disappointment from taxpayers.
"There's always an expectation of services that we have to deliver, and whether we can meet that I have the confidence that we have gone above and beyond to try and do that," said Joseph.
