County Budget Projections - Vote Is On Monday

A public hearing on the proposed 2023 Steuben County budget of $227.1 million with a tax levy of $52.3 million is set for 11:30 am, Monday in the county Legislature’s chambers on East Morris Street. followed by its anticipated adoption by county legislators.   Prudent local spending and a tight hold on costs means Steuben has weathered the tumultuous events of the past few years with tax levies remaining significantly under the state cap and below inflation increases for more than five years, county officials report.  Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which complicated county operations from 2020-21, a devastating flash flood in August 2021, and the more recent hits to the economy, the county has maintained a solid fund balance, promoted a sturdy economy and kept up important local services such as road maintenance and bridge repair
While the county’s operating costs continue to rise, driven by state mandates, most taxpayers can expect a drop in
their average tax rate of more than 5.5 percent or 43 cents per $1,000.  Actual tax rates depend on each municipality’s valuation which is determined by a complicated state formula.
Public safety costs have steadily increased a total of 35 percent during the past five years, with the proposed 2023
increase up 10 percent compared to the current year. Salaries and benefits also are higher, due to wage increases
and benefits.  The anticipated increases are offset by a $2 million boost in sales tax revenues, the tax levy and the county fund balance.
PROPOSED BUDGET : $227.1 million
PROPOSED TAX LEVY: $52.3 million

Extra Steuben County Patrols Are Out, Starting Today

The Steuben County Sheriff’s Department high visibility road campaign started today, there are extra patrols out, looking for drunk, drugged and distracted drivers.  This campaign goes until and through Sunday.   “Unfortunately, drunk driving is a real threat to our community," Sheriff Allard stated.  "That threat increases during holidays like Thanksgiving. Driving drunk is deadly and illegal, and no one should ever take that risk.”

Hornell Suspect Apprehended In Alfred, Was In A Cabin 

Over in Hornell, the Hornell Police are thanking Alfred Police, State Police, Wellsville Police, Canisteo Police, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department and numerous other law enforcement agencies, for helping them find James W.L. Burgess.  Officials say that Burgess had skipped out on a court date for sentencing on several charges, including allegedly breaking into two homes and videoing people in their sleep.  Burgess was found in a cabin on Green Road in Alfred yesterday.