ဟံၣ်My WebLinkဘၣ်ဃးဒီး2002-08 (j..]Krja\y. Newsletter for Employees and Retirees of Tompkins County VVLLI))6V August 2002 Volume 15 Number 8 couny CORRIDORS a GOES ONLINE ti As you all are aware, the County is in a serious financial crisis. It is important that all of us do what we can to pitch in to try and save in every way possible. As our contribution to that effort we will be moving from a paper copy of the County Corridors to an online version that will be available on the County's homepage via the World Wide Web. Although we will not be discontinuing the paper copies until January, 2003, we will begin posting it to the Internet soon so that you can get familiar with accessing it. We hope you will like the online version and will continue to read and submit articles for County Corridors. We also welcome your feedback on this. A link will be provided on the website so that you can send comments as well as future articles. We will continue to update you as this effort moves forward. REPORT mom Q. Why is this happening to Tompkins County? A. It is important to note that this is not just happening to f7 ', Tompkins County. It is happening to counties all over the FROM state. While the County is dealing with several financial = challenges, increases in the local share of State Mandated THE COUNTY - programs are the most overwhelming. Mandated program costs over the past eight years have risen an average of approximately 1 percent per year. This year mandated ADMINISTRATOR program costs are projected to rise by 40 percent; mandated program cost increases account for more than half of the By Stephen Whicher projected 42 percent tax rate increase (if all budget requests are approved). Last month Tim Joseph, Chair of the Board of Q. What is really going to happen this year? Representatives, and I began a series of open dialog sessions A. We have a budget process that works and that will with staff. As of this date, the sessions have been held in ultimately provide the best possible solution, but it requires most work locations. The two goals we are trying to achieve time. During this process staff positions and programs will in the meetings are to provide direct answers to any questions be considered for reduction. This will be very disquieting that staff might have and to provide some assurance that to those directly involved. It is important to understand both the Board and management are doing their best to that everything possible will be done to preserve positions protect both programs and jobs. For those who have not and programs. It is only by putting a program or position been able to attend, here is a report on the meetings from out as a candidate for reduction that the Board will be able my perspective. to hear the justifications. Each of the meetings has begun with about 15 minutes of Q. Will there be layoffs? introduction and review by Tim and I, followed by a 40- A. This is the most difficult question to answer. It is more minute open question session. In general, almost everyone than likely that some positions and/or programs will not be has shown a good understanding of the County's budget funded for the 2003 budget year. The Board has stated process and where we are in that process. What I have heard their express desire that any reductions in positions be most often is consternation over the County's increasing addressed through attrition or re- assignment to comparable budget problems, concern over what will happen if layoffs positions. Will this be possible in every case? The best become a reality, and what are the prospects for the future. we can say is that we will try to give everyone extremely fair treatment. Listed below are the questions that were most - frequently asked in the meetings and the corresponding answers. As we move through these challenging times it will be important to provide each other support and to work Q. What happened to all of the Tobacco money? together to ensure that any potential for reducing our costs A. The Tobacco money is included in the 2003 budget is brought forward. Examples of this type of spirit can be projections. Half of the Tobacco settlement money was found in the recent installation of the cooling units at the securitized (sold on the open market in return for up -front old jail and the on -going move of records to the old library. cash). By law, those funds must be used exclusively for In the case of the old jail cooling units, Chris Parker capital programs. The remaining annual payments are determined that the equipment necessary to lift the cooling relatively stable and do help in boosting the general fund unit to the roof would be cost prohibitive and would delay but are not sufficient to offset increased spending. the project. Chris's solution was to arrange a payment -in- kind between the County Highway Department and the Q. I thought we had a large fund balance, what happened to Groton Village Electric who provided the necessary it? equipment at no cost to the County. Nice job Chris,and A. The fund balance this year is less than a million dollars, thanks to Ed Wiliamson and David Jayne who worked on far below fund balances of prior years. The essential reason the roof in 100 - degree temperatures. We who work in the for this fund balance decline is that it has been used to fund building appreciate your efforts every day. More on programs in excess of our ongoing revenues (taxes, fees, Records' move next time, it is another great effort. Also aid etc.). The fund balances of prior years were used to nice job to all involved with the blood drive — 64 pints — offset increased spending and to hold the tax rate down. not bad! ajletlio ' J by Mike Hams, Assistant Highway Manager (NOTE: For those of you who don't know, Mike took a roads that are less traveled and are out of shape (rutted), that week's vacation from work to re- shingle his roof at home, is less costly. because it was cheaper to do it himself rather than hire someone to do it for him. Unfortunately, wouldn't you know, Early in the spring, we begin what is called a box -out, rut - shortly before he finished the project, he fell off the roof fill program. This year, this kept us busy from May la up and broke his leg (femur). With so much time on his hands until about the third week of June. The first step is to mark (or is it leg ?), he finally had time to finish the article he had the areas in selected roads that are heavily cracked. We then been writing for this paper. Thank you, Mike, and we at the rent a milling machine to mill off the first 3" of asphalt in Highway Department wish you a speedy recovery. He these marked areas. Next, we fill these holes in with new recently informed us that he is out of the roofing business — asphalt material. This stops the cracks from expanding any at least until he perfects his landing...) further and adds some structural strength in these areas. In the next operation, we apply another strip of asphalt along A letter home from Camp Highway Department... the outer 4' of each road lane in order to level any ruts that may exist. Once all of this is done, we need to seal any and Dear Mom and Dad, all cracks or seams to keep water out of the asphalt. This is done by applying a layer of stone and oil across the entire Man, are we ever hopping here at Camp Highway road. We will be doing this process, or variations of it, to Department! It's a lot like a race. We wait most of the sections of Waterburg Road, Halseyville Road (in the Town winter for the weather to break and when it does, we just go of Enfield), West Groton Road, and Groton City Road (both as quick as we can until the end of the race in late fall! Let in the Town of Groton). me just give you an idea of what we are working on. Stoning and oiling a road is known as a chip seal. This is This year, we budgeted enough money to re -build about 4 t/ done when a road still has good shape but is beginning to miles of road. A re -build involves a lot of work. First is the age by developing a small amount of cracking. The intent is prep work. In late fall or early winter, we do core drills of to seal the cracks so water can't freeze and thaw and make the road to determine certain characteristics of the road. the cracks large enough to allow water into the base material. Next, we make whatever improvements are necessary to Once that happens, the structural strength has been improve the drainage in the road. The next step is to grind compromised and the road will need to be re- built. This the old asphalt up, mix it w /emulsion, and lay it back down. year, we will be busy chip sealing about 13 miles of road. The third step is to lay down a layer of stabilized gravel to This work will include sections of Millard Hill Road (in the give the road some extra structural strength. On top of that, Town of Newfield), Old 76 Road (in the Town of Caroline), we place a 3" layer of asphalt. Finally, we seal all of it with and North Road (in the Town of Dryden). oil and stone. We are doing this to a two -mile section of Waterburg Road (in the Town of Enfield), a 1.4 mile stretch Here at camp, we also have a crew that can build or repair of Irish Settlement Road (in the Town of Dryden), and a bridges. One of their big projects is constructing an one -mile stretch of Cobb Street (in the Town of Groton). aluminum- arched culvert on Trumbulls Corners Road. They As ambitious as this sounds, we have other things we are started this project in the spring and will finish it in mid - working on. August. They have a full slate of other repairs they will be doing as well. Road re- builds are the last and most dramatic, not to mention most costly "fixes ", we can do to the road. There are several I'm afraid I have to go. The head counselor just stuck his things we can do to prolong a road's condition and keep it head in my cabin and wants to talk about the budget. YUCK! from getting into a re -build situation. One of these is called Not much fun, but like the cars that drive on them, roads an overlay. An overlay is where we cover the entire surface need to be maintained, repaired, or rebuilt — and that takes of the road with a layer of asphalt anywhere from 1" to 3 ". money. We know we are falling behind maintaining our We usually do this to a road that is out of shape and has a Camp but we just don't have the money or personnel to do relatively high percentage of traffic on it. This year, we will more than we are. be doing this to a three -mile section of West Dryden Road. We may do more if time and money permit. This is a Give my love to everyone back home. relatively expensive process and we tend to use it on higher traffic volume roads. We have another process we use on Your son, Mike 3 Third Annual Employee Blood Drive a Success �° By Cheryl Nelson & Jackie Kippola • *' � J► • On Thursday, August 7, 2002, in the Borg - Warner Room of the Library, the Tompkins County employees sponsored a blood drive for the third consecutive year. w '' The goal for the day was to collect 75 pints. At the ` \'; end of the day, the tally showed that employees and donors donated 64 pints of blood. There were many first -time donors as well as seasoned veterans. Since a single unit of donated blood can benefit up to three individuals in need of it, that means that this drive could possibly benefit up to 192 people. We would like to thank all of the donors, registration volunteers, canteen volunteers, and building contacts i n for making this blood drive a success. It was great �� ®w 41 to see so many individuals give an hour of their time ,S to such a worthwhile cause. We hope to see all of the donors and volunteers, plus more, at next year's Just Just event. Remember, you can donate blood every 56 days, so do your part to be sure that a healthy and Married Retired adequate blood supply is maintained. Office for the Aging's "Project Department. After more than 20 years of service with the County, Lynn decided to retire and enjoy his life and his family. CARE" Of course he needed more time to enjoy his family because it By Lisa Holmes, COFA grew on July 27th when he married his lovely bride Jane. The Office for the Aging's Project CARE Program Lynn began at the Sheriff's Department in 1978 as a is working to meet the needs of caregivers in our community, Dispatcher. In 1979 he moved up to Deputy Sheriff. Since and we might just be able to lend you a hand too! More and 1991 he has held the title of Sergeant Deputy Sheriff. His job more people are experiencing the strain of balancing work encompassed working in the Jail to Road Patrol and then to and caring for a spouse or an older relative at home. the Civil Office. Lynn made many friends throughout the years Oftentimes, what is needed is a little practical help, such as with County staff members and the community as well. A having a volunteer come in and visit, offer some needed help retirement party was held for Lynn at Crossroads where he around the house, run an errand, or provide respite and allow was presented with a plaque commemorating his years of the caregiver to take a break. If you are caring for a spouse service with the Sheriff's Department. or older relative and think you might benefit from some of the services of Project CARE, please call the Office for the Lynn plans on spending his free time gardening and with his Aging at 274 -5491 and ask for Trina Schickel. family which is comprised of his wife Jane, children Tammy (Todd), Matt (Pam), Denise (Ray), James (Bobbie), and Additionally, we are always looking for Project Annette (John), and grandchildren Sarah, Sam, Matthew, CARE volunteers. Typically, a volunteer will spend an hour Dylan, Jaime, Jessie, Hannah, James, and Jonathan. His plans or two per week, either visiting or offering some help around also include possible travel to Texas, Alaska and Germany. the house, and the experience can be a very rewarding one. Oh yeah, and he most likely will sleep in everyday, but this If you are interested in more information about volunteering comes as no surprise to anyone who knows him. for Project CARE, please call Trina Schickel at 274 -5491. Although his fellow employees will miss Lynn, his family is What a joyous summer it has been for Lynn Watros. June glad to have him home, enjoying all the happiness that 14th marked his last day with the Tompkins County Sheriff's surrounds him. 4 8th Annual 2002 Employee Golf Tournament FRIDAY SEPT. 6th, REGISTRATION 8:15, TEE -OFF @ 9:00 a.m. (fringe time to be used) Location: Trumansburg Golf Course z r Halsey Street, Trumansburg 4 'I.\ k ' • 4 Person Team, Captain and Crew 41, ..' • Shot Gun Start 3 • Team Format: Must have at least 2 County P . 1, , .._. -�-, Employees on the 4 person team ... '� , Team can include employees from various departments Cost: $37.00 per person, includes 1 greens fee, 18 Holes, 1 cart rental, and BBQ Steak after 18 holes Pay in Advance by August 23th Please return this form with check(s) of 4 x $37 = $148 per team to: Jackie Kippola ® County Administration by August 23th. (check payable to Trumansburg Golf Course) Yes, I'm interested. Name Dept 1. 2. 3. Team Mate's Name /Dept. Team Mate's Name /Dept. Team Mate's Name /Dept. CLASSIFIEDS Goosa Arts - See our beautiful and affordable traditional Russian arts: nesting dolls, eggs, jewelry boxes, amber, etc. Alisa Mengel, 277 -2917, hours by For Sale: appointment, 120 Linn St. For sale: Sea Kayak. Perception Captiva with rudder. CLASSIFIEDS 16'. Very Good condition. $700.00. Price includes spray Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to skirt. Ezra Sherman. 256 -7554 (unlisted). County employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may be for any purpose, however For sale: 1989 Alumacraft Deluxe Trailer 16 ft., 30 personal ads will not be accepted. No County horsepower outboard motor. Boat can be rigged for addresses or telephone numbers may be listed in bass or trout. Motor in excellent shape, floor board in your ad, however, we do need your full name and boat less than 2 years old. $3,500 o.b.o. Call (315) 252- 7928 after 4 p.m. or anytime on weekend. County telephone number submitted with the ad in case there are questions. Submit your ad to County For sale: 3 partially wooded acres on South Hill in Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Board of Ithaca. Perfect building location with septic, well, Representatives, Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850 via electricity, telephone and cable on site - $21,500. Call US or interdepartmental mail or e-mail to: Barb Eckstrom at 533 -8782. mpottorffCtompkins - co .org For sale: Black, tubular steel, single -lofted bed with NOTE: desk, chair, and shelves. Asking $175. Call Steven at If you would like to modify your classified or want to 898 -4734. run it again, you must re- submit it! For sale: 1988 Chrylser LeBaron; great engine, needs DEADLINE: 1 TUESDAY OF THE some work - $900 o.b.o. Call Cindy at 347 -6405; best MONTH time to call is between 6 — 9 p.m. Articles to be considered for the September 26th issue, must be received by noon on Tuesday, Services: September 3rd. Submit articles via e-mail as an attachment or on disk in any file format that is Tioga Technical - Don't kill your computer! Let me readable by Word for Windows '95. Send disk and help with troubleshooting, training, upgrades - whatever hard copy to County Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, it takes to get you and your computer working together Board of Representatives, Courthouse, Ithaca, NY again. Call James Keegan at 273 -7957 evenings or 14850. Please include a contact number in case weekends. questions arise. Tynyk Originals - are now available on IthacaAuction.com under seller ID gitchygumma. As always, custom gifts and home decor items are still available by calling 564 -9244 evenings or weekends. If COUNTY CORRIDORS I can't make it, you don't need it!! Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are Tense? Stressed? Achy? Therapeutic Massage can selected by the Editorial Board based on their interest to put relaxation and comfort back into your life. For an Tompkins County employees and retirees. They do not appointment or information call Richard Reed at 753 necessarily express the opinions of the Editorial Board. 6383. Material is solicited from current employees, retirees and others. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit Kinetic Performance — specializing in Motorsports submissions, except in the instance of copyright materials. engines, carburetion and general racing fabrication. EDITORIAL BOARb Call Dayton Umholtz at 277 -6462 evenings or Michelle Pottorff (Editor) Board of Representatives weekends. Iretta Ellis (Chair) Information Technology Services Liz Croop Department of Mental Health French Tutor — Call Sarah at 257 -3047. Please leave a Katy Prince Health Department message. Vickie Wagner (Artist) Department of Assessment Geri Lockwood Highway Tammy VanOrman Assessment Donna Deputron (Distribution Coordinator) Facilities 6