Provides state aid to municipalities to offset the costs and expenses of providing public safety services that are necessary as a result of the presence of a residential institution located in such municipality

5 Co-sponsors

• Fredrick J. Akshar II
• John J. Bonacic
• Robert Ortt
• Patty Ritchie
• Catharine Young

BILL NUMBER:S4643

Title of bill

An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to providing state aid to municipalities to offset the costs and expenses of providing public safety services that are necessary as a result of the presence of a residential institution located in such municipality

Purpose

To provide state aid to municipalities hosting four-year state university of New York (SUNY) residential schools, colleges and universities to help offset the costs of providing public safety services to student populations.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 provides definitions; sets forth a formula for the distribution and use of state aid; and provides the date when such payments will be made.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

Justification

While it is considered amongst municipalities to be a privilege to host four-year SUNY institutions, the enrichment and benefits provided to host communities are not without costs that are borne by local governments. Significant student populations presents several public policy challenges for local governments, one of which is providing adequate public safety services to both students and the public while striking the appropriate balance between other municipal priorities and available resources.

A recent study (forthcoming in the online journal of the New York State Economics Association) concludes that host community residents bear the cost of public safety services (through property taxation) even though both students and the public are beneficiaries. The study also points out that over the years, municipal finances have become increasingly stressed due to growing numbers of tax exempt properties, the flight of manufacturing jobs and human capital. These factors have resulted in a proportionately high percentage of municipal budgets devoted to public safety. Providing state aid for the costs associated with police, fire and code enforcement services will allow local governments to continue providing critical services without putting other public services in jeopardy or placing additional financial burdens on tax bases that have historically been shrinking.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

Subject to appropriation.

Effective date

Immediate.