Gasoline Tax

I am pleased to announce that I have asked the Budget and Finance Committee to place the topic of the County Gasoline Sales Tax on the May meeting agenda.

I am hopeful that the County will consider a temporary freeze or cap on the sales tax placed on gasoline and diesel fuel in Cortland County. I support this measure as a means of relieving the burden on Cortland County residents.

I also believe that this cap will help stimulate local economy as visitors who travel through or to Cortland to fill up will also take time to shop for goods and services in the County.

I am requesting that the previous year and projected sales tax figures for County gas revenue be provided to Legislators for review. I am hopeful that the temporary cap can be put in place from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

I encourage your thoughts on this issue.

South Main Street Properties

The Planning Department will be providing the B&G Committee with site and aerial plans of the two properties being secured by the County on South Main Street. We hope to review these plans with JCM Associates, who is performing a feasibility study for the County on the Area Agency on Aging.

The study will take a close look at the needs of the department, and program for an updated or newer facility and how it might look if located at the South Main Street site.

Based on this study and the County needs assessment plan at the Cortland County Office Building, it will be determined which direction the County proceeds overall.

DMV Building

I am pleased to announce that I am exploring grant opportunities for the new DMV building, which is in the schematic design phase. I hope to be able to secure funding for photovoltaic (PV) energy that will be incorporated into the design of the building.

NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) sponsors an incentive program which will assist our County to promote and utilize alternative energy.

In addition, I will be working with the design team, JCM Associates and Barton & Loguidice to use innovative technologies in the building, such as low-flow sinks and toilet fixtures, daylighting and energy efficient mechanical equipment.

All of these ideas will ensure responsible design and energy savings.

Blog Format Change

Hello! I am proud to announce a format change to the blog!

I will soon begin posting thoughts to the blog. I intend to express my opinion and position on County issues to my constituents on topics.

I hope to solicit feedback on issues facing our county that include, but are not limited to energy, taxes, facilities, planning, and resources.

I encourage you to sign up and leave comments and write me emails. Thanks!