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Legislature approves carrying over paper‑bag fee funds after debate about environmental efficacy
Summary
Legislature approved, 11–3, a budget adjustment to transfer accumulated paper‑bag fee funds into spendable accounts for education, staff costs and bag purchases; some legislators objected, urging repurposing to food‑security programs and questioning environmental impact.
Tompkins County legislators voted 11–3 on Aug. 19 to approve carrying over accumulated funds from the state paper‑bag fee (Tompkins County receives 2¢ of the 5¢ fee) and to adjust accounting so the department can spend the accumulated balance.
Recycling department staff explained the program's history: since mid‑2020 the county has received roughly $43,000 annually on average (the county's 2¢ share), has expended roughly $134,000 to date on reusable bags and education, and retains about $70,000 to reallocate and close out the accounting. Department staff and finance recommended moving the balance to an appropriated fund balance line so it can be spent in the next fiscal year; finance staff proposed a minor account‑number amendment for accuracy.
Some legislators questioned the environmental benefit of continuing to distribute reusable bags and suggested lobbying Albany to allow repurposing to pressing local needs such as food insecurity. One legislator said the program's marginal environmental benefit may have plateaued and advocated for redirecting funds. Others defended the program's intent to reduce single‑use bag waste and supported carrying the balance forward so funds are available for education and distribution where needed.
After discussion the legislature approved the carryover with an 11–3 vote. Staff said the transfer is intended to clear accounting and enable purchases and education in the coming year.
