MAYVILLE – It’s committee week in Mayville, with three committees of the Chautauqua County Legislature meeting today.
The issue of delinquent and unpaid occupancy tax payments will be discussed tonight during the legislature’s planning and economic development committee. Legislator George Borrello (R-Irving) is sponsoring an amendment to the county’s occupancy tax law that would give cottage and rental property owners an amnesty period to become compliant with county occupancy tax mandates. The change in law would give renters until Dec. 31, 2012, to register their properties with the county finance department without having to pay any back taxes. After that date, any renter who registers with the finance department may be subject to paying back taxes. Borrello is hoping the amendment will encourage more renters to come forward and register for the tax. Tonight’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Gerace Office Building.
The legislature’s Public Safety Committee will also be meeting today at 4 p.m. Among the items to be discussed is the tabled resolution involving the continuation of a pilot program for the arraignment of criminal defendants in Jamestown City Court. Last month, lawmakers tabled the resolution after it was unclear if the program was resulting in a savings for the county by reducing the number of inmates being held in the county jail. The total cost of extending the program for an additional year would be $47,000, with funding going to both the county District Attorney’s and Public Defender’s offices.
The county’s Humane Services Committee will also meet tonight at 6 p.m. Among the items on the agenda is an update on the county’s welfare to work program from County Public Health Director Christine Schuyler. Earlier this year several lawmakers had voiced their concern with the program after reports showed the county’s participation rate was lower than the state average. In April, lawmakers approved legislation requiring more oversight of the program in an effort to improve the participation rate.
All Legislature committee meetings are open to the public.
Leave a Reply