By Mary A. Crisafulli
DELHI - At a meeting on Sept. 25 supervisors entered an easygoing debate on language for the resolution authorizing development of a traffic diversion program.
The program allows for ticketed drivers to bypass the court system. The program will be voluntary for any Delaware County town to participate in. Certain traffic violations will be eligible for drivers to pay fees and instead of going to court take an online safety course. Drivers participating in the program would avoid insurance increases or points on their license.
Although the resolution does not specify, supervisors have previously discussed using Advent eLearning to administer the program. The company sends 100% of the initial fee - determined by the county - to the county for dispersal. There is a fee for the course which is $40 for traffic safety and $50 for defensive driving.
The county finance department had previously discussed a motorist fee of $225 with dispersal at 80% town and 20% county through the treasurer's office.
Hamden Supervisor Wayne Marshfield requested the resolution be amended to include the fee dispersal agreement between the county and towns.
Sidney Supervisor Eric Wilson said the fee and dispersion were purposely left out with the assumption they could be reevaluated in one year and adjusted without a full vote if needed.
"Why can't it say 80/20 and it can be amended from time to time," argued Marshfield.
Hancock Supervisor Jerry Vernold echoed Mashfields words adding the towns should receive all the revenue. Vernold noted that the county does not receive any local court fees for violations and should not get this either. "Delaware County is one of 13 counties in New York State that don't share sales tax," he said, "this is an opportunity..."
Although Cetta originally shared Vernolds sentiments he said after a thorough discussion in the finance committee, "It became clear to me that towns that do get large revenues are not going to lose any money and there is an additional expense to the county."
"Both the county and the towns are going to benefit way beyond what they did before," said Franklin Supervisor Donald Smith. He noted that the program would relieve workload for the county defense attorney's office, but they will still be assisting in administering the program. "It's only fair that the county gains some revenue out of the program," he concluded.
County Attorney Amy Merklin explained that if a town or village chooses to participate in the program a Memorandum of Agreement will be drafted that would include the disbursement and fee amounts.
Marshfield made a motion to include the 80/20 agreement which was ultimately approved by roughly two votes. Supervisors voting against the amendment include Smith, Cetta, Willson, Tina Molé, Bovina' Arthur Merrill, Colchester; Timothy Kelso, Davenport; George Haynes, Kortright; Betty Scott, Masonville; James Ellis, Meredith; and John Kosier, Stamford. Those absent include William Layton, Tompkins; Allen Hinkley, Roxbury; and Rebecca Walley, Deposit.
In another discussion, Ursula Hudak with the Roxbury Arts Group gave a presentation regarding the re-grant program through the New York State Council on the Arts. The program supports projects in community arts, creative learning, and individual artists. Applicants can receive up to $5,000. Applications will be accepted from Oct. 18 through Jan. 17. Applicants must attend one information session - three in-person and six Zoom sessions are scheduled. The grant funding can often be used as matching funds for other grant opportunities, explained Hudak. For more information visit roxburyartsroup.org.
In other business:
Supervisors allocated $62,943 in state opioid settlement funds. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services received $2,400 for the Fall Recovery Festival. Delaware County Stop DWI program received $13,298 to purchase impairment goggles. Stamford Wellness Center received $47,247 to hire a part-time counselor.
An additional $4,000 in ARPA funds were allocated to the Delhi Police firing range building upgrade.
Supervisors accepted additional state funding of $31,883 for youth services. The funds will be used for the Hobart & South Kortright Little League program and Delhi dance program.
Supervisors amended the budget to include $29,019 for tax collection software maintenance fees contracted with Systems East Inc. Marshfield noted he was unhappy with the resolution since the ARPA Committee, which he was chair of, allocated funds to purchase the software and was unaware there would be an annual maintenance fee. Cetta, who was on the ARPA committee, agreed with Marshfields statement.
The next Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m.
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