by Rich Crist Majority Legislative Liaison
Members of the Rensselaer County Legislature offered reaction to the State of the County address for 2015 delivered by County Executive Kathleen Jimino at the March 10 legislative meeting.
County Executive Jimino focused on ongoing shared services and inter-municipal cooperation agreements that have helped reduce costs and ensured needed services are carried out effectively. The shared services agreements include road repair, snow plowing services, shared technology, energy and purchasing, among other mutual efforts.
She also continued to focus on the rising cost of state mandates and a failure by the state to reform spending requirements for costly social programs.
“The County Executive correctly noted the great efforts made in Rensselaer County to stretch a dollar and provide needed services in the most cost-effective way possible,” said Vice Chair for Finance Phil Danaher.
The Legislature has played a role in protecting taxpayers and creating a foundation for growth. County lawmakers have supported four consecutive county budgets that have remained under the state tax cap and supported policies that have led to upgrades in the county bond rating and positive financial reviews. The Legislature was also instrumental in creating 265 new jobs at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in East Greenbush, extending county sewer service to the site.
The Legislature also organized a re-bid of the county insurance policy, with the policy costing the county less than what was paid in the early 1990s. Legislators also approved a refinancing of existing debt that is expected to save $1.2 million.
“We are working hard during some challenging economic times to protect property taxpayers and encourage job creation and new growth. We are very optimistic about the future of Rensselaer County and what 2015 will bring,” said Chairman of the Legislature Martin Reid.
“Taxpayers demand that we do more with less and make the same difficult choices they make every day in their household or business. We have heard that message in Rensselaer County,” said Legislator Todd Tesman.
Along with success in managing finances, the county has also worked to protect quality of life. The Legislature this year approved a renewal of an agreement between the county and the Agricultural Stewardship Association. The ASA partnership has resulted in more than 3500 acres of farmland and open space being protected in over a decade.
“We are encouraged that more resources may be made available at the state level to protect farms and open space right here in Rensselaer County. Farming remains a big part of the heritage and the future of our county,” said Majority Leader Ken Herrington.