Yates approves budget, with some add-ons

YATES COUNTY--The Yates County legislature approved the budget for 2020 at a special meeting Thursday, Nov. 21 in the legislative chambers. The budget includes a tax levy of $16,519,672 or $5.99 per thousand of assessed property value. The budget is below the state tax cap.
There were three budget modifications at the meeting and additional resolutions allowing the creation and hiring of new employees. The modifications were covered by the fund balance so no change was made to the tax levy.
$20,000 was approved across the county to go to parks as determined by the human services committee. Discussion indicated there would be a percentage breakdown for all parks depending on available programs. Another $24,272 was recommended by budget officer Nonie Flynn and passed. The legislature also approved $100,000 being added to the contingent fund.
In 2020 there are sweeping reforms to the bail and discovery process across New York state. These changes required two new positions in the district attorney's office for the upcoming year and one in the sheriff's office. Those three positions cost some $227,000. It is anticipated there will be some reduction in expenses for inmates because the bail reform will decrease the number of pre-trial detentions.
Internet sales tax along with retail sales activity in the county will continue to generate revenue. Flynn referenced a recent report by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli which showed Yates led all counties with year-over-year increases of 9 percent in sales tax collection. These numbers compared January-September 2018 to 2019.