Legislature reappoints Purdy, Fitch

    PENN YAN—The Yates County Legislature reappointed H. Taylor Fitch as chair and Sarah Purdy as budget officer during the organizational meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3.  Both terms last until Dec. 31, 2013.  
    Fitch, who has served as chair for two years, was grateful for the reappointment.  “I would first like to thank my fellow legislators for their confidence in re-electing me chairman,” he said.  “I assure you I will continue to work hard as chairman to do the best job I can for Yates County.”
    Fitch said the biggest obstacle Yates County faces in 2012 is the property tax burden in N.Y. state along with its mandates.  “2012 is the first year that the cost of New York state mandates exceeded the property tax levy,” he explained.  “This must not continue.  If it does continue, public safety, public health, and infrastructure will be severely impacted to the detriment of all Yates County residents.”
    Even with the challenges Yates County will encounter, Fitch still feels encouraged about the economy. “Yates County is growing, as evidenced by sales tax revenue being up substantially in 2011,” stated the chairman. “Sales tax is the biggest offset to property taxes. That is why it is so important that the legislature do what it can to encourage economic development.
    For Purdy, she begins her 17th year as budget officer.  She also serves as administrator and has held that position for the same period of time.
    The legislature also elected Douglas Paddock as vice-chair, Scott Falvey as county attorney, and Edward Brockman as public defender.
    In other business:
    • The legislature also designated The Observer and The Chronicle-Express as the official newspapers for Yates County.