Franklin County Legislature adopts $105.13 million 2020 budget, overrides tax levy limit

The Franklin County Legislature adopted its 2020 budget on Nov. 21, approving a $105,130,783 total budget and a $17,175,136 tax levy after a series of amendments and a roll-call vote.

The Finance Committee presented amendments to the tentative budget that adjusted multiple department lines, contingency and interfund transfers. Legislator Janisewski moved the amendments, which the Legislature approved on a roll call. The Legislature then passed an appropriation resolution under County Law Section 360 to set line-item appropriations for the General Fund ($97,262,298), County Road Fund ($4,231,932), Road Machinery Fund ($1,174,344), capital projects ($2,162,000) and debt service ($300,209).

Chairman Donald Dabiew and members cited the need for fiscal clarity before adopting the budget; Clerk Penny A. Premo recorded the roll call. The Finance Committee then moved adoption of the tentative budget as amended; the resolution was adopted (roll call recorded by the Clerk).

The Legislature also adopted the countywide equalization table prepared by the New York State Board of Equalization and Assessment, which lists taxable and full-value assessments and rates used to apportion the county levy among towns and villages. The resolution adopting the equalization table included detailed attachments showing full-value totals used in apportionment.

Separately, the Legislature adopted a local law overriding the tax levy limit for 2020, authorizing the county to adopt a budget with a tax levy greater than the state-imposed limit. The County Attorney and Clerk were directed to publish the local law according to the Municipal Home Rule Law.

The appropriation resolution and adoption of the budget complete the countys formal budget process for 2020; the measures take effect as recorded in the Legislatures minutes.