Shared services, dissolution and mergers remain viable options for taxpayers and elected officials facing challenging fiscal environments and historically high taxes Read More
Tag: Local Government
A challenging fiscal environment and notoriously high property taxes have raised structural and service issues to new levels as communities explore the potential efficiencies to be gained through shared services, dissolution and consolidation. Read More
A distinguished panel of urban scholars and experts gathered in Albany to discuss how upstate cities can resurrect themselves. Read More
In 2011, Suffolk County passed a local law (Article I, Section 77-4) barring county elected officials from collecting two public-sector salaries. Now, however, County Executive Steve Bellone wants to change the law... Read More
Governor Andrew Cuomo needs to play a more active leadership role in responding to widespread reports of increasing fiscal distress among New York counties, municipalities and school districts, according to this Newsday commentary by the Empire Center's E.J. McMahon. Read More
Just-released November indicate that Medicaid spending was within Governor Cuomo's new cap through the first two-thirds of fiscal 2011-12 -- but just barely.The $15.3 billion cap on state-funded Medicaid spending within the Department of H Read More
In the eyes of many Broome County residents, nursing homes and transportation services are essential government functions that should remain in public hands. More than 80 people gathered Thursday in the meeting hall at the American Legion Post 80, 75 Main St., Binghamton., to speak out against the possibility of privatizing B.C. Transit or the Willow Point Nursing Home. Read More
In a recent report, the Empire Center for Public Policy said the reference to community and neighborhood character should be eliminated. It's already defined by local planning and zoning laws, the report said. Read More