Thursday, June 28, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
CONSISTENCY, CONFIDENCE & COST SAVINGS
Auerbach suggests Ulster explore county-wide assessments
KINGSTON – Each of the 22 assessing units in Ulster County computes its own rates for property owners. County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach suggested that perhaps a more equitable way of doing it would be on a county-wide basis.
There were 87,000 parcels on the books according to statistics from one year ago and Auerbach said some communities haven’t done anything to update assessments in a very long time.
“It is amazing to realize that we have some municipalities that haven’t done a reevaluation since back to the 1950s and there are a half dozen communities that are pre-21st century in their assessing, so there is opportunity for change, opportunity to restore confidence in the system, and bring it in at a cost saving effort,” Auereback said on Monday.
The comptroller’s office has drafted a report offering several options, with a county administered program being one of them. The report can be found at http://www.ulstercountyny.gov/comptroller/JUNE%202012%20ASSESSMENT%20REPORT%20_FINAL%2006.20.pdf .
KINGSTON – Each of the 22 assessing units in Ulster County computes its own rates for property owners. County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach suggested that perhaps a more equitable way of doing it would be on a county-wide basis.
There were 87,000 parcels on the books according to statistics from one year ago and Auerbach said some communities haven’t done anything to update assessments in a very long time.
“It is amazing to realize that we have some municipalities that haven’t done a reevaluation since back to the 1950s and there are a half dozen communities that are pre-21st century in their assessing, so there is opportunity for change, opportunity to restore confidence in the system, and bring it in at a cost saving effort,” Auereback said on Monday.
The comptroller’s office has drafted a report offering several options, with a county administered program being one of them. The report can be found at http://www.ulstercountyny.gov/comptroller/JUNE%202012%20ASSESSMENT%20REPORT%20_FINAL%2006.20.pdf .
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
10 SCHOOLS...10 STUDENTS...10 STORIES
Our RECOGNIZING SUCCESS program is in its third year and during its history the Office of the Ulster County Comptroller has acknowledged the accomplishments of nearly thirty local high school students. This year we are proud to be joined by the RONDOUT SAVING BANK in honoring ten outstanding seniors.
With the changing landscape both socially and economically we went on a search for that special student who sees opportunity in new and different ways.
We set out to find that social, environmental, educational or economic entrepreneur who was not only willing to embark on a creative new venture or enterprise but also willing to accept responsibility for its outcome.
Please let me present our recipients, nominated by their respective schools, all of whom possess a high propensity for risk, innovation and achievement.
COLEMAN-EVAN DUCKER….Author, Athlete and the face of 40,000 bags of Doritos. Who has used his personal experiences to literally change the world. His children’s book BUDDY BOOBY’S BIRTHMARK has gained international acclaim.
ELLENVILLE-BILQEES RAHMAN….An artist and academic that has influenced her community with her creativity. She will begin a seven year program in medicine this fall. When asked how she decided to chose between being an artist or a doctor she responded that she could always be a doctor who loves to draw but she could never be and artist who practices medicine.
HIGHLAND-NICK SIGNORELLI…Merged his love of media to create and produce local content for Madison Square Garden Varsity Network and is literally a one man production company. Nick does it all sound, lighting and video.
KINGSTON-PAUL ALLEY…Another media genius who enlisted fellow students to star in an anti-bullying video that has gained national prominence with thousands of views on YOU TUBE. Paul’s social entrepreneurship has called attention to a dangerous social problem in all of our schools.
MARLBORO-HEAVEN SHOULARS…A Habitat for Humanity and Students Against Drunk Driving Volunteer who has improved the quality of life for others while maintaining her studies and holding down a job. Heather gives back to her school and community through her volunteer efforts.
NEW PALTZ-VICTORIA FREEBORN…Her passion for marine biology and zoology led her to do participate in the Intel Science Competition and do museum volunteer work. She has learned how to make science understandable to both kids and adults.
RONDOUT VALLEY-JONATHEN SEILS…Businessman, entrepreneur, athlete and environmentalist has led Jon to merge his love for the outdoors not only into a senior project but into a career path as he heads to Paul Smith’s College of Forestry. Jonny believes that great things can be accomplished if you set your mind to it.
SAUGERTIES-ETHAN STANLEY…Scholar, athlete, Boy Scout , state ranked wrestler and produce farm worker are just a few of the adjectives that describe this Annapolis bound leader who is never to busy to help a struggling classmate. He leaves a legacy through both his actions and attitude.
WALLKILL- KATIE DINEEN…National Honor Society member, volley ball captain and waitress and impetus behind raising $30,000 for RELAY FOR LIFE…did I forget to mention #2 in her class with a 99.7 average?
WOODSTOCK DAY-HARRISON BRUHN… Ingenuity and leadership are the first two words that pop into your mind when you meet Harrison. Add to that creativity because Harrison developed, designed and marketed his own clothing line called MILK N COOKIES using the resources of many area businesses.
These students are our greatest resource. Let’s hope that they return to Ulster County to sit among us.
COLEMAN-EVAN DUCKER….Author, Athlete and the face of 40,000 bags of Doritos. Who has used his personal experiences to literally change the world. His children’s book BUDDY BOOBY’S BIRTHMARK has gained international acclaim.
ELLENVILLE-BILQEES RAHMAN….An artist and academic that has influenced her community with her creativity. She will begin a seven year program in medicine this fall. When asked how she decided to chose between being an artist or a doctor she responded that she could always be a doctor who loves to draw but she could never be and artist who practices medicine.
HIGHLAND-NICK SIGNORELLI…Merged his love of media to create and produce local content for Madison Square Garden Varsity Network and is literally a one man production company. Nick does it all sound, lighting and video.
KINGSTON-PAUL ALLEY…Another media genius who enlisted fellow students to star in an anti-bullying video that has gained national prominence with thousands of views on YOU TUBE. Paul’s social entrepreneurship has called attention to a dangerous social problem in all of our schools.
MARLBORO-HEAVEN SHOULARS…A Habitat for Humanity and Students Against Drunk Driving Volunteer who has improved the quality of life for others while maintaining her studies and holding down a job. Heather gives back to her school and community through her volunteer efforts.
NEW PALTZ-VICTORIA FREEBORN…Her passion for marine biology and zoology led her to do participate in the Intel Science Competition and do museum volunteer work. She has learned how to make science understandable to both kids and adults.
RONDOUT VALLEY-JONATHEN SEILS…Businessman, entrepreneur, athlete and environmentalist has led Jon to merge his love for the outdoors not only into a senior project but into a career path as he heads to Paul Smith’s College of Forestry. Jonny believes that great things can be accomplished if you set your mind to it.
SAUGERTIES-ETHAN STANLEY…Scholar, athlete, Boy Scout , state ranked wrestler and produce farm worker are just a few of the adjectives that describe this Annapolis bound leader who is never to busy to help a struggling classmate. He leaves a legacy through both his actions and attitude.
WALLKILL- KATIE DINEEN…National Honor Society member, volley ball captain and waitress and impetus behind raising $30,000 for RELAY FOR LIFE…did I forget to mention #2 in her class with a 99.7 average?
WOODSTOCK DAY-HARRISON BRUHN… Ingenuity and leadership are the first two words that pop into your mind when you meet Harrison. Add to that creativity because Harrison developed, designed and marketed his own clothing line called MILK N COOKIES using the resources of many area businesses.
These students are our greatest resource. Let’s hope that they return to Ulster County to sit among us.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
And Now For A Little Good News........
Home sales up in Ulster County
KINGSTON – It may be a sign of better days for the Ulster County economy. Home sales rose during the first five months of the year. Economists have said that until home sales regain their strength, the economy will not see a robust recovery.
From January to May, home sales rose by 17 percent over the same period last year, according to the Ulster County Board of Realtors. The number of homes sold in the first five months of 2011 totaled 316 as compared to 369 during the same period this year.
The average selling price fell, though, from $256,794 in 2011 to $213,758 during the same five months in 2012.
In May, Ulster home sales rose from 65 last year to 97 this year, an increase of 49 percent.
The average selling price also rose, going from $214,957 in May 2011 to $240,705 during the same month this year.
(Copyright © 2012 Mid-Hudson News Network, a division of Statewide News Network, Inc.)
Friday, June 1, 2012
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