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Franklin County Legislature reviews $118.3 million tentative budget; public raises concerns over IDA/EDC cuts and library funding
Summary
Franklin County officials presented a $118,284,501 tentative budget on Oct. 27, 2022. County Manager Donna Kissane and Treasurer Frances Perry outlined challenges and goals; members of the public asked about broadband, Adirondack Airport funding, library support and expressed concern over a proposed reduction to IDA/EDC funding.
On Oct. 27, 2022, the Franklin County Legislature held a public hearing on the county's 2023 tentative budget, which lists total appropriations of $118,284,501. County Manager Donna Kissane and County Treasurer Frances Perry presented the plan and outlined anticipated revenue sources and pressures.
Kissane and Perry told the Legislature the budget responds to a set of continuing challenges including workforce recruitment and replacement, road maintenance and county infrastructure needs. The tentative budget document lists $107,425,146 in County General Fund appropriations, a County Road Fund of $4,577,724, a Road Machinery Fund of $1,596,426, a Capital Project Fund of $4,513,000 and a Debt Service Fund of $172,205. The proposed total tax levy is $17,687,000 with an allowance for uncollected taxes of $265,000, and net revenues from taxes projected at $17,422,000.
Officials highlighted several fiscal positives: a favorable bond-rating outlook, an improved fund balance, an increased health-insurance reserve, settlement of the UPSEU contract and an improved fiscal stress score. Kissane and Perry said the budget-setting process will continue after the public hearing and that the tentative numbers may be adjusted before final adoption.
During the public-comment portion, Chairman Donald Dabiew and Legislator Ellis praised the county's recent Amnesty Program as a success for taxpayers. A representative from the Town of Franklin requested funding for broadband; a representative from the Town of Harrietstown asked about support for the Adirondack Regional Airport. Representatives of the Clinton, Essex & Franklin Library System thanked the Legislature for past support and asked about their 2023 allocation.
Multiple attendees, both in the Chambers in Malone and at remote sites, raised concerns about a proposed decrease in funding for the Franklin County Industrial Development Agency / Franklin County Economic Development Corporation. County Manager Kissane addressed those concerns during the hearing and explained the county follows a two-phase process: publishing a tentative budget, taking public input, and then reviewing and revising the draft before adoption.
A member of the public at the Harrietstown remote site asked a question about Medicaid; county officials provided a response. After hearing public comments and answering questions, Chairman Dabiew closed the tentative budget hearing at 4:58 P.M.
The Legislature will revisit the tentative budget in subsequent meetings before adopting a final 2023 budget.
