Mark Kukiela is an employee of The Citizen and a Cayuga County resident that would like to see government spending brought in line with what is affordable. Read his ideas if you care about how your hard earned tax dollars are being spent, and feel free to engage in some friendly debate. Mark believes caring does not end with complaining; we need to encourage action from our lawmakers where change is necessary.
Click here to check out March's blog entries and reader comments
Click here to check out April and May blog entries and reader comments
Look for fresh postings from Mark at the top of The Citizens' Say postings below:
The Citizens' Say
There are 38 comment(s)
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Aug 1, 2008 2:57 PM:
The Cayuga County legislative economic development chairman not only turned down half a mil in private funding for establishing an economic development solution. He insulted the group offering it in the process. A simple "thank you, but..." would have been sufficient.
A couple municipal workers are accused of cheating the system that you pay for. Did you get your money’s worth?
The town of Sennett continues to hound these poor Boncas over a beautiful new restaurant that’s battle has turned personal. Can I have some fries with that?
The New York State wishbook a.k.a. member items or what I’ll call pork is the name of the game in Albany. You are in power...you’ll get the cash. It has little to do with who presents a greater need and all about who is in power that drives the money train. What's that slogan: I Love NY?
The California governor eliminates most P/T positions in state government and lowers full time employees pay to $6.55 per hour. That’s California dreamin’ for ya!
Washington’s elite took the rest of the summer off today in the midst of haggling over how to combat these crazy gas prices. Drill more or pass legislation targeting speculators. Nothing passed, nothing is solved and they’re headed for the beach. Don’t you just hope they have great weather for their summer recess?
Folks, do you review this list and come to the conclusion that your elected officials are doing the people’s work?
Is this really how a functional government is supposed to operate?
If not, you need to insist on a change. Whether you do so at the voting booth or by contacting your local representatives, voices need to be heard. "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jul 28, 2008 7:43 PM:
I see your angst over the bonus and the perks along with the high salary for one person.
But do you not also recognize the waste involved in the Cayuga County system that employs 7 superintendents for 24 schools while your one super handles over 200? "
cm wrote on Jul 27, 2008 10:33 AM:
I found this:
My county has:
1 Superintendent
7 board members/1 per district
209 schools +60 additional centers
227 principals
393 Asst. principals
15,370 Teachers
25,473 Full-time staff
206,756 STUDENTS
2.2 Billion dollar Budget
The Superintendent base salary was $236,504 and a bonus was $48,240.
This persons contract also includes bonus pay based on 18 performance factors, most derived from student tests.
( I think this needs to go to teachers: strange, we pay the people who actually EDUCATE our kids about the same in one year as we give in bonuses to the person who SUPERVISES the people who teach our kids)
Besides pay, receives a $125 monthly car allowance, mileage, a $1 million life insurance policy and retirement plan equal to 15 percent of salary in addition to state retirement. "
Andy b wrote on Jul 24, 2008 11:54 AM:
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:09 AM:
Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way!
The state of our current city/county/state financial picture exists primarily due to "Business as Usual." Unless you have been living under a rock; the national economy is swirling a swift race down the drain. In comparison, the stench of our local economic condition reeks by a tenfold comparison. You as the chairman on the county’s economic development (or lack thereof) ought to be elated that local business leaders not only want to be part of the solution, but an organization is putting cash behind their support.
Not only elated…I say dancing in the streets! These are local business leaders that have a vested interest in the area’s future. Their family’s and their family’s families have built this community and their futures depend on the continued viability of this region. One would hope elected representatives would offer similar devotion and be willing to work together with these folks to find solutions.
The “Business as Usual” approach is simply not working; it is time for something different. The Blueprint group and Stardust folks have offered a glimmer of hope not seen in many decades for this area.
As far as threats from the local media, perhaps you should be held to a standard as a local representative. That’s right, if you nuts enough to leave a half million dollars on the table because you want to keep your own private fiefdom pure, you should answer for those sort of choices as an elected official. Your accountability ends at the voting booth. With the backwards views you are supporting, let’s hope the people in your district speak clearly the next time they go there to cast their vote upon you.
I submit you should get on board and figure out a way to make economic development work with Blueprint/Stardust or get the heck out of the way! "
Andy b wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:16 PM:
cm wrote on Jul 20, 2008 9:09 AM:
most likely the only words they had about energy changes was how to find ways to block/weed out all the nasty phone calls, letters, and emails they are getting from their voters! "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jul 16, 2008 8:36 PM:
Did you hear the one about the Republican and Democratic Congressmen that went out to dinner to find a solution to the energy crisis?
PUNCHLINE…
Actually, it’s not a joke. According to reports, a group of 23 Republican and Democratic Representatives met this past Monday evening to discuss a bipartisan approach to a national energy plan. The group known as the “House Energy Working Group” issued the following report:
Washington, D.C. -- Following the initial meeting of a bipartisan House Energy Working Group Monday evening, Representatives Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), and John Peterson (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the direction of the working group:
"We are very pleased at the level of commitment among the group of 23 Republicans and Democrats from all parts of the country who were able to attend the first meeting and begin working together to develop a real national energy plan.
"It is abundantly clear that the public is tired of the partisan rhetoric coming out of Washington. They want solutions. This working group recognizes that politics as usual will not solve our national energy crisis. A comprehensive approach must include regulatory reform, increased domestic production, conservation and real investment in renewable and alternative energy technologies. These are all part of America’s energy future.
"Upon adjournment of our initial meeting, we have renewed hope that working together – across the aisle – Congress can put differences aside and act in the best interest of the nation, regardless of party affiliation."
Note: The House Bipartisan Energy Working Group will meet regularly to develop consensus legislation that will be introduced prior to the August recess. Membership is comprised of rank-and-file Republican and Democratic Members who are committed to accomplishing one goal: A comprehensive, environmentally responsible energy plan for the American people.
What do you think the chances are? "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jul 15, 2008 3:59 PM:
How nice to read some good news for once:
Crude falls the most in 17 years on economic concerns
By Moming Zhou
Last update: 2:52 p.m. EDT July 15, 2008Comments: 17
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Crude futures Tuesday closed down more than $6 a barrel, the biggest daily drop in more than 17 years, as concerns that slowing economic growth will dampen oil demand triggered a broad sell-off in energy commodities. Crude futures for August delivery ended at $138.74 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, down 4.4%, or $6.44, the biggest one-day drop in price for a front-month contract since January, 1991. Earlier the contract slumped $9.26, or 6.3%, to an intraday low of $135.92. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Tuesday morning that the U.S. economy is facing "significant" risks to growth, while the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries lowered its forecast for world oil-demand growth for 2008 and 2009.
The news of today will be followed tomorrow by:
-Some nut in Iran firing off a bunch of missiles
-The Nigerians in the Niger Delta going berzerk
-Hugo Chavez deciding he wants to do lunch with Castro
I am a born skeptic, but doesn't it seem a bit peculiar that when these big drops occur; one of the oil countries acts up sending the price of oil skyrocketing again?
Perhaps we are safe for now from any civil unrest as there are hurricanse brewing in the South Atlantic. These OPECians can let mother nature do their dirty work for this round of destruction/oil price hikes.
Stop this ride I want to get off! "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jul 11, 2008 11:11 AM:
To repeal or not repeal…that’s a small point of a larger question.
This is a hot topic because gas prices have grown so outrageous compared to what they have been. The current estimates put our savings at 4 cents per gallon with the cap in place, so the choices are:
1. Repeal the cap and use the money to reduce property taxes.
2. Keep the cap in place and help the taxpayers.
With the cap in place, I save about 50 cents per fill-up which over the course of a year I will save less than $20. That $20 over the course of a year is not my idea of significant savings.
I would be willing to pay an extra $200 over the course of a year if that money would go directly toward winning the battle of America’s Energy Independence.
Would you?
Heck, I wouldn’t even mind paying these outrageous prices of $4 per gallon if it meant we were doing something about this problem. But as far as I can see we are not.
• Corn ethanol is proving to be a bust, just ask the flooded plains
• I think electric cars could play a role in the future, but if scientists are to be believed and the greenhouse effect is a true threat we would need to find safer and cleaner alternatives to producing electricity
• The hybrids are a positive move, but you still need to put gasoline in them
No real solutions seem to be on the horizon that anyone is vested in, that will win our independence. We look for leadership from our government or industry and they seem as perplexed as the rest of us. We look for a place to lay blame and the fingers point to everything from OPEC to China to speculators.
At this point let’s put the why aside and do something proactive to change the debate and get America off it’s addiction to any oil foreign/domestic or offshore. "
brew wrote on Jul 5, 2008 2:59 PM:
brew1234 wrote on Jul 5, 2008 2:31 PM:
brew1234 wrote on Jul 5, 2008 2:27 PM:
Another point is that this state has had a 2 1/2% tax cap for over 10 yrs and it is working fine. We went from the highest taxed state to a rank of 38th in the country. 4% is too high for a tax cap. "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:30 PM:
This is not solely a tax issue, but it is nonetheless taxing so I blog.
Long before I was born, brave men came home from the “war to end all wars” with a dream for the future. That dream included winning enough bread for his family so he could buy a house and settle in the suburbs where his wife would greet him with his newspaper and the dog would fetch his slippers. That wife would spend the day cooking, cleaning and caring for the children. They would live fairly comfortably and happily ever-after.
A couple decades beyond that and the cultural revolution of the 60’s introduced more women to the job market. I have not researched all the circumstances or rationale, but it seemed that by the time the 70’s was in full swing it became necessary for a two full-time employee household to make ends meet.
In the intervening years from the seventies to now, husband and wife (if they’re still fortunate enough to be married) need to keep working full-time and found themselves steeply buried in debt to boot. This debt hole sinks deeper every year; the same debt that maintains consumption levels so corporations can continue to grow and prosper. CEOs continue to make millions in bonuses every year as the poor working sap just muddles along.
So from the original dream of a one-person breadwinner…fast-forward a half-century…Now both husband and wife have full-time jobs with many taking on second jobs to just get by. The debt load of Americans has increased to record levels as personal savings rates continue to decline year over year. Their medical costs are in the stratosphere, taxes (at least in New York) are out of control. Their houses are being foreclosed upon and they cannot afford to fuel the cars to get them back and forth to their 2 jobs. Corporations are still making strong profits, but not nearly enough to boost their market prices any longer.
So where do we go from here? How do we consume more when we are already in debt over our heads and losing jobs at an alarming rate? Has the system completely broken down?
Is there really a dream left anymore? "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 30, 2008 8:50 PM:
Taken from the www.taxcapnow.org website:
New York State needs a property tax cap now!
New York State's local taxes are the highest in America - 79% above the national average.
Outside of New York City, 62% of property taxes are school property taxes.
Property tax levies are rising at more than twice the rate of inflation and salary growth.
Every day more of our neighbors, college graduates and grandparents become ex-New Yorkers—moving to more affordable states and breaking up our families and communities.
A solution is in sight. Governor David Paterson has a plan to cap school property tax levies in New York State. This cap would limit the growth in school property tax levies to 4 percent or to 120 percent of the rate of inflation, whichever is less.
Join the grassroots coalition in support of a statewide property tax cap in New York: the New York Property Tax Cap Coalition!
JOIN HERE:
www.taxcapnow.org "
AJ wrote on Jun 29, 2008 9:56 PM:
" Smoke Tax ARGH!
I know all the arguments about how this will go to pay for all the smoking related illnesses. Some validity perhaps, but of this additional $500 million in blood money the state is projecting, how much will actually be spent for this purpose or for prevention?
What would be even funnier is if every smoker in the state quit tomorrow. Our state budget would go belly up! Kind of disturbing when you think about it.
What's your sense? "
When I was in CA, they passed a bill to levy a 25 cent tax on a pack about 17-18 years ago. They promised to use this money to help prevent people from smoking and use it to help people quit. They did neither for all practical purposes, and the money went into the general fund. I had no problem with the tax if they were using it for what they stated, but that never happened aside from a few billboards telling people how bad smoking is. AS a smoker who was paying this tax, I resented them for not devising cessation programs for those of us footing the bill, which would have made the most sense. "
Andy b wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:03 PM:
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 24, 2008 3:15 PM:
I know the Town of Clay is a long way from Auburn, but this taxpayer can hope the results of yesterday’s vote are a harbinger of good things to come for our area.
The Town of Clay has voted to abolish their police department.
This was a landslide 69 to 31% victory!
The vote was 4,160 to 1,865 to merge effective July 7.
Watch this one closely.
Perhaps this could be the beginning of fiscal responsibility for the upstate region. This is a good start, and there are so many more areas of government that could use this brand of realignment.
I say watch it closely, because just as all the pundits took their sides the truth will come down somewhere in the midst of all the rhetoric. The PBA will have you believe that police protection levels will decrease, there will be fewer cars on patrol and your family will be in danger.
The opposite camp would suggest that more cars will be on the road, protection will not be compromised and there will be negligible differences for the town.
The 16 full-time officers with the department will be offered comparable jobs with the county sheriff’s department.
OOPS, one difference I forgot to mention…their tax bills are going to decrease by 20%.
I am pleased to see this kind of fiscal discipline happening down the road and hope our own city/town/county leaders can find creative ways of following suit.
The people have spoken! "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 23, 2008 3:58 PM:
Folks, I am stepping down from my soapbox for a moment and tipping my cap to New York State residents. I have heard a number of figures about how many NYers are in favor of passing a property tax cap, the most common percentage seems to be 74% of state residents in favor of this change.
Understand, the current culture in our state capital that would have let this issue wither on the vine and collect dust. If not for the insistence of the governor and more importantly the voice of the people; the state leadership would not be having these eleventh hour talks.
No, they may not reach an ultimate agreement or find a solution that will satisfy everyone. However the victory lies in imploring your elected officials take up an issue that you care about and having that actually happen.
The moral of the story is you need to talk to your local, state and national elected officials about the issues that are most important to you. You can make a difference! Your phone calls, emails and the urging of your elected representatives to look at this issue or be prepared to answer for it, made this happen.
Pat yourself on the back and if what comes from these talks does not meet with your expectations don’t be afraid to speak up about that too. "
GoodbyeCNY wrote on Jun 18, 2008 4:28 PM:
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 18, 2008 2:50 PM:
Let’s start by encouraging our state representatives with a little mantra:
You are very intelligent people.
We know you can do it.
We have put our faith and our futures in your hands. Don’t let us down.
In Brief:
• Governor David Paterson is pushing with all his might to have the state debate a property tax cap.
• State Assemblyman Sheldon Silver is for tax caps as long as they do not affect the resources available to schools.
• Senator Joseph Bruno is pushing a plan to eliminate school property taxes altogether.
Let’s break it down and keep it real simple:
PROBLEM: Property taxes are a problem and need to be addressed immediately.
SOLUTION: Now that we have all agreed that taxes are a key concern and need to be changed; put aside the political posturing and work together to find a resolution. Close the doors to the senate and assembly chambers and do not leave until you have worked out the framework to solve this issue.
You are very intelligent people.
We know you can do it.
We have put our faith and our futures in your hands. Don’t let us down.
Finally, whatever the resolution you decide upon (Cap or Elimination) we can save millions upon millions of dollars every year by consolidating school districts. There is no need to have an entire district serve less than 5000 students (I could make a strong case for 10,000 as long as the geography works). Start there, redraw the lines and move us in the direction we all know we need to go.
ONE MORE TIME WITH SPIRIT!
You are very intelligent people.
We know you can do it.
We have put our faith and our futures in your hands. Don’t let us down.
Sing it with me by calling your state representatives today! I have a call into Senator Bruno's office, if they get back to me I will share it here. "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:49 PM:
A strong and clear message indeed.
No misconceptions to explain this one away, no turf confusion to hang excuses upon. Just voters that are beyond tired of rapidly rising taxes.
Now we can press on to more pressing issues like tax caps and school district consolidation. Ask your elected officials and school board representative about these issues; insist that they are critical to our future.
Let the buck stop here. Build upon these budget vote results as a first step in taking greater control over your tax dollars today!
See you at the ballot for the turf vote. "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 17, 2008 2:52 PM:
News about the Commission on Property Tax Relief
Colleagues and Interested Parties,
The past two days have been filled with major news and support for Governor Paterson's proposal to cap school property taxes. Below are some links and excerpts that you may find of interest (if the links don't work, or wrap around on to a second line, please cut and paste them into your internet browser).
Here is a summary of the articles:
* Siena Poll Shows "Overwhelming Support" for Governor's Cap Proposal - 74% in favor of cap (June 16) "Support for the cap is strong with every party and every demographic group. Voters to pols: pass the property tax cap. Voters overwhelmingly believe that the cap is necessary to help struggling taxpayers and help school district spend more carefully. They strongly disagree that the cap is unnecessary because voters approve school budgets, and nearly two-thirds of voters reject the argument that the cap will hurt education in New York."
http://www.siena.edu/level2col.aspx?menu_id=562&id=17985
* Albany Times Union Blog - Paterson and the 74%ers (June 17) "Gov David Paterson turned up the pressure in his push to get a 4 percent school tax cap enacted, if not this week, at least this year, by suggesting that he may bring back lawmakers later this summer — before election day — to try and hammer out an agreement."
http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/7757
* New York Daily News Column (June 17) "In the go-along-to-get-along culture of Albany, the top leaders rarely advance ideas that public employees unions and other powerful interests would oppose. But Paterson, the accidental governor, has broken that rule.
Following through on the key recommendation of a property-tax reform commission, he's not just supporting a cap - but eagerly campaigning for one. In effect, he's forcing lawmakers to choose, very publicly, between the average New Yorkers they supposedly represent and the lobbyists who actually pull their strings."
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/06/17/2008-06-17_gov_patersons_tax_cap_puts_joe_bruno_in_.html
* Times Union Article - Tax Cap to Take More Than Will (June 17) "Everyone knows state lawmakers are responsive to the public, right? But when it comes to containing school taxes, the matter is more complex than doing what the public seems to want. While nearly three out of four New Yorkers favor a cap on school property taxes, the popular will this time is up against special interests, competing ideas and regional differences on what exactly a tax cap means."
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/storyprint.asp?StoryID=696666
* Kingston Daily Freeman Editorial - Mockery of Democracy (June 17) "We don't know how we feel about a proposed cap on property taxes. But we do know how we feel about how state lawmakers have dispensed with the matter. It stinks, one more graphic illustration of how our elected representatives are not doing their jobs... The governor said that the suggestion that he might call the Legislature back to a special session to face the music on this issue in a year in which all seats are up for election "was met with a kind of resentment, sort of, 'How dare you?'" Dare, governor. Dare."
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19770999&BRD=1769&PAG=461&dept_id=82701&rfi=6
* Schenectady Daily Gazette Editorial - Another Suozzi Suggestion: Consolidation (June 17) "According to the Suozzi report, there are just under 700 school districts in New York state and nearly one-third of them had fewer than 1,000 students in 2005. The state currently offers generous incentives to consolidate, including a 40 percent increase in operating aid for five years and up to 95 percent reimbursement for construction. Despite these, few districts actively pursue reorganization. It may be time for the state to start thinking about combining a stick with that carrot."
http://www.dailygazette.net/standard/ShowStoryTemplate.asp?Path=SCH/2008/06/17&ID=Ar00701&Section=Opinion
***************************************
As always, more information is available from the Commission's website: http://www.cptr.state.ny.us/
Best regards,
John C. Reid
Executive Director, New York State
Commission on Property Tax Relief
80 South Swan St, 29th Floor
Albany, New York 12210 "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:32 AM:
Remember to vote today on the school district budget. "
Andy b wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:41 AM:
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 13, 2008 9:35 AM:
In the article today: “City Approves Budget After Changes” I think one of our elected representatives actually gets it.
“…Councilor Matthew Smith was the sole vote against the budget. Smith said his objective is to curb spending, as the city can't cut taxes without reducing spending…”
He cast the dissenting vote on a budget that even with some spending additions results in a ZERO percent tax increase.
In every other corner of government we hear about keeping spending at the level of inflation.
• We hear elected leaders accept and defend spending increases as a way of life
• We hear of labor unions trying to usurp a 4% spending increase cap
• We hear about everyone blaming some other entity for their budget troubles as a rationale for spending increases
But now, could the stars have lined up in unison?
Matt may have been absent the day they taught “Government Spending” in school. Or perhaps he understands the way government is supposed to work; when a government becomes too expensive for its people to afford it curbs spending to make it more affordable. It’s a real basic premise, but so often this is ignored.
We need to cut spending and reduce taxes in this region in hopes of making the area livable again. It’s nice to know at least one of our elected officials not only understands that but is also doing something about it. "
Andy b wrote on Jun 12, 2008 1:47 PM:
Andy b wrote on Jun 12, 2008 1:44 PM:
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 11, 2008 2:57 PM:
Let's see...perhaps the voters are speechless at the audacity of this board to put the same budget back up for a vote without so much as a dime of change.
Can you spell A-P-A-T-H-Y.
As for the question of whether Mr. Cornelius is willing to spend "a little more."
Well I'll tell you what Fred, open up your wallet and start spending like a drunken sailor, but leave mine alone.
The voters are tired of paying for an overbloated system, that desparately needs consolidation. "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 11, 2008 2:50 PM:
HOLY MAN!
We are living in an upside down world. I am incensed that the governor accepted a cap as high as 4% and the unions are fighting even that nugget of what I'll refer to as(non-relief)?
Who the heck can afford 4% more taxes and spending and the lobbyists are trying to stand in the way of that.
Do not allow this to happen.
Talk to your elected officials and ask them who is more important, the lobbyists or their constituents that put them in their legislative seat.
And by the way, if you make the wrong choice we'll bounce you out of office on your ear!
To settle the rest of this nonsense, the state should banish these unions completely. If they're not doing something that's illegal by blocking this measure it should be made illegal.
Call the governor and take a stand. Only we can make a difference.
What do you think? "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 6, 2008 10:49 AM:
Our tax dollars at work?
You've seen this and heard this all before…Just another report to collect dust along with a pat on the back for those that are pretending to look out for the future, but…
I am willing to put my cynicism on the backburner for now. There are a few puzzle pieces that may be creating a “Right Place at the Right Time” scenario that offers cause for one to remain hopeful.
Piece #1: The Stardust Foundation, a foundation that is infusing a considerable amount of money into our downtown community, is footing half the bill for this study.
Piece #2: The Stardust Foundation is headed by former Auburn Mayor Guy Cosentino.
Piece #3: Mayor Cosentino is also a member of the Blueprint for our Region’s Future committee. This committee is a cross-section of business and community leaders (in the interest of full disclosure our publisher is also a member of this committee) that put together a comprehensive blueprint for future development of the area and continues to work toward that end.
Piece #4: This report, coupled with government support and private sector investment are the primary ingredients needed for success.
For goodness sake, They may be on to something!
What do you think? "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 4, 2008 3:28 PM:
While I believe we desperately need economic developement; I reserve judgement on this and hope our legislators will as well.
I thought the creation of the county manager position was partially for this purpose.
Also, what do we have a Planning and Economic Developement Director for?
It is crucial to focus on the economic developement of our county, but aren't we already paying for this? "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 4, 2008 3:05 PM:
The full report can be found here:
http://www.nyslocalgov.org/pdf/LGEC_Final_Report.pdf?pagemode=bookmarks
Here is an excerpt from the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness regarding school district consolidation:
School District Restructuring
School districts are the largest local government enterprise, responsible for 61 percent of property taxes. A variety of studies have found significant opportunities for schools to achieve efficiencies through consolidation or restructuring, particularly for districts with lower enrollments. For example, a 2001 study found that consolidation is likely to lower the cost of two 900-pupil districts by 7 to 9 percent, and lower the cost of two 300-pupil districts by over 20 percent. As an illustration, if savings in these percentages were achieved in all school districts currently below those enrollment levels, statewide savings would be in the range of $150 to $200 million annually. A 2004 study on school districts in the Broome-Tioga region found that operating costs could be annually reduced by $12 to $16 million by applying management techniques found in large single districts. That study provides a proxy for the savings potentially available from regionalization of operations for transportation maintenance and dispatch, facilities maintenance, and special education administration – which could exceed $100 million annually if realized statewide.
In recognition of the pressure from school property taxes (which are rising by more than seven percent annually) the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief was charged with examining causes of this growth and developing a school property tax cap. This commission is to provide a report by May 22, 2008.
There are 698 school districts statewide, ranking New York fourth in the number of districts nationally and first among our region (including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont). In many states, school districts are managed at the county level. In Maine, Vermont, Arkansas, Indiana, and New Jersey school district consolidation initiatives are under way.
Although a variety of factors contribute to school property taxes, our recommendations focus on efficiencies related to the scale of operations or other organizational factors. We have heard testimony and examined reports that convince us that scale matters, and that there are efficiencies which can be gained though consolidation and sharing of services. We have also attempted to address some of the major outdated operating rules for school districts which can create barriers to consolidation or service sharing.
Schools Consolidation
We recommend two complementary approaches to promote consolidation, either of districts or services, where it would make sense fiscally and educationally.
Give the Commissioner of Education discretionary authority to order consolidation of school districts based on reviews triggered by objective standards, including but not limited to size in pupils and geography, declining enrollment, limited educational programs, ability to achieve fiscal savings, and high tax burden. The Commissioner’s order in each case would require a thorough review, the approval of the Board of Regents, and a public hearing in the area affected by the consolidation.10
10 Opposed: S. Frankel, C. Johnson, H. Weitzman, E. Little, M. Pattison
Ask your elected officials when we start discussing our options. "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 3, 2008 1:26 PM:
Page 69 of the report or 83 of the PDF talks about incentives for consolidation that need to be pursued by our elected officials.
14. State school aid should include significant incentives to encourage school districts to consolidate. This should include reevaluation of the current formula for reorganization incentive aid, as well as more dramatic changes. Currently, districts that reorganize receive a 40 percent increase in state operating aid for five years, which is then reduced 4 percent each year until it is phased out. Also, the reorganized school district’s state building aid is increased by 30 percent, up to 95 percent of approved cost.
Although this appears to be a generous package, few school districts actively pursue reorganization.
What are we waiting for? "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 3, 2008 11:44 AM:
Page 40 of the report or Page 52 of the PDF is a shining example of the waste in our school district system.
What you see on this page is a graphic representation of the waste that is New York's school district system.
CONSOLIDATE TODAY! "
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 3, 2008 11:25 AM:
http://www.cptr.state.ny.us/reports/CPTRPreliminaryReport_20080603.pdf
Putting forth a 4% limit on tax levy increases is not my idea of a sound policy to help the taxpayers in this state. But there are a number of recommendations that could be positive including:
• Regional collective bargaining
• Health insurance contributions
• Health benefit trusts
• School district consolidation
• Countywide property tax assessment "
Andy b wrote on Jun 2, 2008 12:59 PM:
The taxpayer watchblog wrote on Jun 2, 2008 12:47 PM:
"I used to pay 10 cents a pack." My grandma would say as she shared tales about the good old days.
When I started they were $1.25, but you could get stale ones at Mike's Bait Shop for $1.15.
I quit a decade ago so thankfully I am not subject to this one. But even when I did puff the magic cancer stick I would make a bi-weekly trek to Nedrow, circumventing the state's desire to tax me into oblivion.
You've come a long way baby. Now the tax on these narcotic-laced butts has gone up the exact price I used to pay for an entire pack. What a shame.
I know all the arguments about how this will go to pay for all the smoking related illnesses. Some validity perhaps, but of this additional $500 million in blood money the state is projecting, how much will actually be spent for this purpose or for prevention?
What would be even funnier is if every smoker in the state quit tomorrow. Our state budget would go belly up! Kind of disturbing when you think about it.
What's your sense? "