WGXC-90.7 FM
Weekend in review
Mar 31, 2014 6:07 am
Some of the stories that made the news, Mar. 28 to Mar. 31:
The Associated Press reported New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and legislative leaders reached a deal Fri., Mar. 28, on a $140 billion state budget that would provide some tax breaks for businesses, homeowners, and renters. The fiscal year begins Tues., Apr. 1. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the deal Monday. "The 332-page revenue bill lists property and renter’s tax credits through so-called circuit breakers, tax credits for families and revisions in bank, corporate, manufacturers and estate taxes," according to the report. In addition, the budget puts forward the state’s largest education allocations to date, including: An increase of more than 5 percent in school aid; statewide, universal full-day pre-k; and a bond act to modernize classrooms.
Audrey Matott reported in The Daily Mail the Cairo-Durham Board of Education presented its draft 2014-15 budget Thurs., Mar. 27. The $28.5 million spending plan calls for a 1.82 percent increase in the tax levy. The board currently projects a deficit of more than $190,000. The board must now decide which expenditures to cut, or choose to override the state-mandated tax cap. Budget increases for the next school year are largely the result of increased employee benefit costs. The spending plan must be adopted by the board no later than April 25. The statewide school board elections and budget vote will be held May 20.
Joe Gentile is reporting in the Register Star Columbia County Department of Social Services Commissioner Paul Mossman and Civil Service Commission Chairman Richard Concra recently made public their intentions to step aside. Mossman announced he will retire, effective June 29. He served as head of that department for 11 years. The announcement came one year into his third, five-year term. A search committee has been formed to identify and hire an interim and permanent DSS commissioner. Stockport Town Supervisor Matt Murell disclosed Concra's resignation Thurs., Mar. 27. He said the county Government Committee is entertaining a resolution to appoint former Civil Service administrator Cathy Hogencamp to serve out the remainder of Conra's six-year term, effective late May.
The Daily Freeman reported Rebecca Shields of Catskill has been named Greene County’s 2014 Senior Citizen of the Year, and Stephen Tuomey of Tannersville was chosen recipient of the county’s 2014 Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen Award. Shields served as a senior companion for several years with Community Action of Greene County and has served on its Senior Advisory Board. She currently serves as an inpatient volunteer with Community Hospice at Kaaterskill Care and the Pines. Tuomey has served as a parish council member at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is a member of the Senior Bowling League and served as treasurer of the Mountaintop Golden-Agers. Other nominees receiving certificates of merit include: John Pulice of Athens, Maureen Forrester of Cairo, Della Lomoriello of Catskill, Joy Mayo of Coxsackie, Robert Mazon of Elka Park and Evelyn Jennings of Greenville. Shields and Tuomey will be recognized at a ceremony in Albany on May 6.
The Associated Press reported New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and legislative leaders reached a deal Fri., Mar. 28, on a $140 billion state budget that would provide some tax breaks for businesses, homeowners, and renters. The fiscal year begins Tues., Apr. 1. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the deal Monday. "The 332-page revenue bill lists property and renter’s tax credits through so-called circuit breakers, tax credits for families and revisions in bank, corporate, manufacturers and estate taxes," according to the report. In addition, the budget puts forward the state’s largest education allocations to date, including: An increase of more than 5 percent in school aid; statewide, universal full-day pre-k; and a bond act to modernize classrooms.Audrey Matott reported in The Daily Mail the Cairo-Durham Board of Education presented its draft 2014-15 budget Thurs., Mar. 27. The $28.5 million spending plan calls for a 1.82 percent increase in the tax levy. The board currently projects a deficit of more than $190,000. The board must now decide which expenditures to cut, or choose to override the state-mandated tax cap. Budget increases for the next school year are largely the result of increased employee benefit costs. The spending plan must be adopted by the board no later than April 25. The statewide school board elections and budget vote will be held May 20.
Joe Gentile is reporting in the Register Star Columbia County Department of Social Services Commissioner Paul Mossman and Civil Service Commission Chairman Richard Concra recently made public their intentions to step aside. Mossman announced he will retire, effective June 29. He served as head of that department for 11 years. The announcement came one year into his third, five-year term. A search committee has been formed to identify and hire an interim and permanent DSS commissioner. Stockport Town Supervisor Matt Murell disclosed Concra's resignation Thurs., Mar. 27. He said the county Government Committee is entertaining a resolution to appoint former Civil Service administrator Cathy Hogencamp to serve out the remainder of Conra's six-year term, effective late May.The Daily Freeman reported Rebecca Shields of Catskill has been named Greene County’s 2014 Senior Citizen of the Year, and Stephen Tuomey of Tannersville was chosen recipient of the county’s 2014 Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen Award. Shields served as a senior companion for several years with Community Action of Greene County and has served on its Senior Advisory Board. She currently serves as an inpatient volunteer with Community Hospice at Kaaterskill Care and the Pines. Tuomey has served as a parish council member at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is a member of the Senior Bowling League and served as treasurer of the Mountaintop Golden-Agers. Other nominees receiving certificates of merit include: John Pulice of Athens, Maureen Forrester of Cairo, Della Lomoriello of Catskill, Joy Mayo of Coxsackie, Robert Mazon of Elka Park and Evelyn Jennings of Greenville. Shields and Tuomey will be recognized at a ceremony in Albany on May 6.