Counties in the News, December 5, 2016

• By: NYSAC
• On: 12/05/2016 12:21:51
• In: Counties in the News

NYSAC
Indigent defense program reforms still to be considered by Governor Cuomo
Among the 25 bills that have passed the both houses of the State Legislature that have not yet been sent to the Governor for his consideration is a state takeover of county indigent defense costs. The bipartisan legislation S.8114/A.10706, sponsored by Senate Deputy Majority Leader John DeFrancisco and Assembly Member Pat Fahy. 
 
This bill accomplishes three objectives. It provides real and meaningful mandate relief for counties and property taxpayers. In 2015, the total local costs for indigent defense was $389. This bill includes a phased in 7-year state takeover of public defense costs that will reduce costs locally and lower taxes. It also protects taxpayers from costly and unnecessary lawsuits against New York's public defense program. An ACLU lawsuit was settled in 2014 with an agreement to expand indigent defense services for the five counties and provided state funding for placing case load caps on public defenders and providing legal counsel on first arraignment. This settlement created an inequitable system of indigent defense where the five counties provide expanded services funded by the state and the other 52 counties are left with their existing property tax-funded public defense system. This bill fixes the program for the 52 counties left out of the settlement, improving legal defense services for the poor in all counties in the state. 
 
NYSAC Weekly Wire for the December 5, 2016
 
STATEWIDE
Small-town officials: Cuomo's ethics rule misplaced
 
County Leaders, Clergy & Justice Leaders, Legal Experts Convene in Support of Legislation That Improves Public Defense, Provides Mandate Relief
 
County budgets grapple with weak sales tax growth
 
LONG ISLAND
Downtown Riverhead project, Peconic Crossing, gets $350K from county
 
Holiday Light Show returns to Suffolk County
 
HUDSON VALLEY
Sullivan seeks federal funding for Brownfield assessment
 
Rockland Legislature to vote Tuesday on changes to Day's $674M budget
 
Dutchess legislature to hold public hearing on county budget Monday
 
Ulster agency plans hearing on tax policy for senior, dormitory housing projects
 
Draft Ulster County transportation plan focuses on human services
 
NY Comptroller Issues 'County of Ulster Property Tax Exemptions' Report
 
CAPITAL
Rensselaer County legislators keep 2017 budget under tax cap
 
Saratoga County expected to approve tax cap override
 
Albany County Cares about our Veterans Collection Effort Delivers
 
NORTH COUNTRY
St. Lawrence County attorney heading to Albany to urge Cuomo to sign Justice Equality Act that could save county millions
 
Franklin County Legislature approves $103.3 million budget for 2017
 
JCIDA approves UTEP, loan and the new JCLDC vice chairman
 
MOHAWK VALLEY
Comptroller sites taxpayers savings from refinancing debt

SOUTHERN TIER
Local business leaders discuss opioid abuse in Broome County (Video)
 
New Gaming Floor at Tioga Downs Now Open to Public
 
CENTRAL NEW YORK
County Receives $50K to Study Law Enforcement Consolidation
 
FINGER LAKES
Supporting communities: Genesee County's Cornell Cooperative Extension will observe 100th birthday
 
Fitch Appointed to Vacant Yates Legislature Seat
 
WESTERN NEW YORK
Projected opioid overdose deaths down (Video)
 
Legislature ratifies snowplow contract with local municipalities