The dispute between the state and local governments over revenue sharing funds called Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) continues. Local governments aren’t satisfied with the latest proposed compromise from the Cuomo administration.
Local governments are pleased that the governor’s office realizes how much local governments rely on AIM funding.
"What we’re not pleased about is the way it is proposed to be restored. The proposal would basically take from our county taxpayers right pocket, instead of their left pocket," said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon.
He said that is what will happen if a budget amendment goes through, requiring local governments to use sales tax revenue to pay for the aid to local governments. There’s one other thing that really disturbs McMahon.
"For the first time, you have a state government telling a local government how to spend its money," said McMahon. "That is a dangerous, dangerous precedent. I know for a fact if the federal government did that to the state, telling the state government how to spend its money, there would be serious concerns. And there should be serious concerns in our community."
The county, along with cities, towns and villages will continue lobbying state lawmakers to make the AIM funding part of the state budget, where it has been for years. They have just over a month to make their case before the budget deadline on April 1.
Town of Camillus Supervisor Mary Ann Coogan said she's sick of it.
"It’s maddening. This is not new. It seems like this is all we’ve done for the past three years. And we’re all getting tired of getting beat up by the governor," Coogan said.
