Municipalities Fiscally Distressed?

    Dozens of municipalities in Oneida County are now considered fiscally distressed according to New York State. Rome, Utica and the Town of New Hartford were among those that made the list. To make the list, municipalities' tax rates had to be in the top 25 or their fund balance less than 5 percent of their expenditures. Under the governor's budget any municipality that falls under this category can cap raises and benefits given to police and fire unions. However, one area official says that's not always a good thing.

            Town of New Hartford Supervisor Patrick Tyksinski says, "I think it hamstrings you because these are things that you can negotiate with. You know so you could give up that extra 1% or maybe even 2% on the wages, but save more on the back end when you're looking at health insurance costs and some of the other benefits given"

            The governor says the intent of this is to prevent increased property taxes.