Madison County budget revision add non-profit funding, leave out public transportation
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MADISON COUNTY, N.Y. -- Madison County residents have made some impact on the budget process. After hearing from the public, county leaders have tentatively reinstated funding for local libraries and several non-profits.
Two public hearings were held Tuesday, convincing the board of supervisors to reinstate hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding to groups like the Community Action Program, Madison County Children's Camp and Conservation Clubs.
The one program left off the list, however, was public transportation. After 18 years of funding the Madison Transit System, county leaders say it was no longer feasible.
"It is going to hurt some people, which is unfortunate, but when you look to the cost ratio of what we're spending to the ridership, it just isn't working," said John Becker, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors.
The money to cover the expenses for non-profits will come out of the county's fund balance. Becker says the biggest burden continues to be state mandates like Medicaid and retirement costs.