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Legislator says health benefit shift will trim county budget

By Hilary Hawke

DURHAM — Much of the Durham Town Board meeting focused on a report by Greene County Legislator Sean Frey on the tentative Greene County budget released on Nov. 10.

According to Frey, the current proposal calls for an 11.57 percent in the Greene County tax levy. Under this plan, Durham’s rate would rise by 8.88 percent.

But Frey says if the legislature is successful in negotiating with unions to change county employee medical and benefits coverage to an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plan, the county tax levy could be cut by half and Durham’s rate would decrease to 4.44 percent.

“It’s a tough year and an 11.5 percent increase is not easy for the public,” Frey said.

“The right thing for the taxpayers of Greene County is to recognize that EPO is a better benefit package. It will result in almost $1 million cost reduction of employee health benefits and trim the county tax levy by 6 percent.”

Frey is hopeful county employees will accept the change.

Other options on the table for reducing the Greene County Budget, according to Frey include a “Use it or Lose it” policy for employees. He supports a clause which would prevent what he characterizes as “Christmas bonuses” for some county staff. End-of-year buyouts such as vacation days, sick days and overtime have increased by $300,000 over the past year, he said.

Frey also discussed the ongoing Greene County Courthouse renovation by Envision Architects of Albany. Calling it a huge drain on the budget, he said he initially opposed the project. But at this point, if the county doesn’t complete the work the state will step in causing Greene County to lose their portion of state funds and creating a shortfall for taxpayers.

“It’s important to keep a tight rein on the architect,” Town Supervisor Gary Hulbert said, “and keep change orders to a minimum.”

“Change orders can kill you (the budget),” Frey agreed.

Some of the county tax increases are from unpaid state and federal mandates. “It’s one of those years where costs are up and incomes are down,” Frey said.

Deputy Town Supervisor William Carr Jr. said that private industry has to reinvent itself and the same should be true of government. “If it (the county) can’t knock 20 percent off the budget I’ll be shocked.”

Unless there is a dramatic redress of responsibilities, he said, NYS could find itself in the same shape as the Big Three Automakers. ”New York State will be brought to its knees unless it recognizes the double impact of a declining economy and increasing taxes.”

Other issues on the agenda included the board’s acceptance of James Allen’s resignation from the Durham Board of Assessment Review and as Durham Representative for the Greene County Planning Board.

Hulbert said he contacted Independent Cell Towers for an update on their application status but hasn’t yet received a reply.

He also announced the Annual Christmas in Durham Celebration on Saturday at the Milk Run on Route 145 and the spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the East Durham Firehouse.

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