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Bill Would Allow Local Governments to Keep Revenues From Traffic Fines
Thursday, November 18, 2004
The New York State Senate today gave final legislative passage to a bill (S.7757), introduced by Senator John Bonacic (R, Mount Hope), that would repeal a budget measure that changed the method for distributing vehicle and traffic fines between local courts and the state and would allow the state to collect funds from traffic fines that were previously kept by local governments.
"To allow localities to lose revenue is unconscionable, as it could necessitate property tax increases to fill the local revenue gap," said Senator Bonacic. "Property owners, already overburdened by a disproportionate amount of taxes, cannot afford any additional increases. Property taxes are the homeowner's worst nightmare in New York State, particularly in the Hudson Valley and Catskill regions. I believe the state budget should assist towns and villages, not hurt them--which this language did. I am pleased this important bill was passed today."
"The Senate has had serious concerns about the fine collection since it was proposed in the Executive Budget, because of the negative impact it would have on local governments" said Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno (R, Brunswick). "According to a report by the state Comptroller, revenues are increasing beyond our initial projections, which will allow us to balance the budget and at the same time, provide critically needed relief to local governments and taxpayers."
The provision, part of a 45 page budget bill, had reversed the practice of the state to allow localities to keep a significant amount of ticket and fine revenues. In some localities, particularly those near interstates, the revenue loss could have amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars, forcing localities to either cut vital services or raise property taxes to make up for the lost revenue.
The bill will be sent to the Governor for his consideration.
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