News

Counties in the News October 26, 2016

Wednesday's news from counties across the state.
NYSAC
Old TVs and Computers Impacting Local Property Tax Bills
Old and unwanted television sets and other electronic waste are costing local taxpayers millions of dollars a year to process, according to the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), a municipal association working to encourage state policies that place those costs squarely on the shoulders of the electronics manufacturers who profit when consumers buy new technology devices.
Despite the 2010 NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act and a $3 million e-waste grant program enacted as part of the 2016-17 State Budget, local governments are still carrying the larger share of the electronic waste being recycled across the state.
 
NYSAC and the New York State Association for Solid Waste Management (NYSASWM) have conducted a small sample survey to better understand current e-waste needs.  The sample survey of 50 municipalities found that:
  • Respondents process 9,224 tons of e-waste collected annually.
  • Respondents collectively spend over $3,000,000 in direct out-of-pocket expenses annually. This amount is equal to the entire 2016/2017 appropriation for e-waste grants.  These expenses are eligible for 50% reimbursement under the e-waste grant program, and still face high costs to responsibly manage e-waste.
  • Most local governments pay between $0.10/lb and $0.30/lb to recycle e-waste.  The Town of Babylon had the highest reported fee of $0.40/lb and Tioga County had the second highest fee of $0.35/lb.
 
LONG ISLAND
Suffolk Supports its Vets with Second Annual County Marathon and 5K
 
Long Island Welcome Center on the LIE: What You Need to Know
 
HUDSON VALLEY
Molinaro's 2017 budget to lower tax levy and tax rate
 
A Conversation with County Executive MaryEllen Odell
 
Film tax credit bill on governor's desk
 
CAPITAL
Albany trash fee roils county
 
Washington County cats shelter proposed
 
NORTH COUNTRY
Essex County leader leaving
 
Counties financially unable to increase attorney staffing, hinders right to lawyer upon arraignment
 
Franklin County Industrial Development Agency restructuring could shift top job to affiliated Local Development Corp.
 
MOHAWK VALLEY
Oneida Co. DA's budget sails through committee

CENTRAL NEW YORK
Interest on tax payment installments will be discussed at Cayuga County public hearing
 
Plans for Ithaca-area detox facility move forward
 
'A great tradition': Cayuga County Legislature hosts Student Government Day
 
FINGER LAKES
Ontario County wants more for war against algae
 
WESTERN NEW YORK
Calls volume drops for drug addiction hotline
 
Legislature urges ‘open road tolling' across the state

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