Executive Fiala Vetoes Long Term Bonding Initiative

BINGHAMTON, NY - Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala has vetoed three resolutions passed by the legislature last week. The three resolutions relate to the reconstruction of the George Harvey Justice Building and the construction of Phase I of the Broome Community College Technology Building. All three resolutions clear the way for splitting the tobacco money between both projects and bonding for the rest of the money needed to finish both projects.

“I have maintained all along that we cannot turn this $17M windfall into a 30 year, $800,000 a year, tax burden on our property taxpayers,” said Fiala. “I simply cannot let this go through without first exercising my right to veto it and hopefully protect the taxpayers from the costs associated with long term borrowing.”

Fiala maintains that her original proposal to rebuild the George Harvey Justice Building is the only proposal before legislators right now that can create immediate construction jobs, can consolidate three court related county departments into one building and can save taxpayers a half a million dollars a year.

“Unfortunately, we can’t always afford what we want,” said Fiala. “Somebody has to say no.”

With her veto the County Executive also maintains her argument that the legislature does not have the power to initiate an amendment to the County’s Capital Improvement Program which is what lawmakers essentially did when they passed these three resolutions.

The County Executive’s veto message was filed with the Legislative Clerk’s Office Friday afternoon.

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