Last updated on May 16, 2013

New Report: Binding Arbitration Ignores Fiscal and Economic Reality, Forces Higher Taxes

The Empire Center for New York State Policy has released a compelling report documenting the fact that even after the onset of the Great Recession, binding arbitration panels continue to mandate salary increases far in excess of inflation. Since the beginning of binding arbitration for police and fire union contracts in 1974, average salaries for members of the state Police and Fire Retirement System have risen nearly three times faster than average salaries for other types of employees outside of New York City. The report, which reviewed 136 interest arbitration awards issued from 2003 through 2012, also provides stark evidence that binding arbitration panels have largely refused to increase employees’ share of rapidly rising health insurance costs. For a copy of the full report, click here.

New GAO Report on State and Local Government Fiscal Outlook
A new report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office highlights the detrimental effect – current and future – caused by rapidly rising health care costs. Click here for full report.

NYCOM News

May 3, 2013

This edition of NYCOM News is intended to provide our members with an update on the status of legislation of importance to cities and villages. NYCOM encourages you to use this information to assist in your communications with state legislators.

Click here for further information.

NYCOM has been working with a coalition of groups united in the pursuit of significant mandate relief - Let New York Work: A Common Agenda for the Common Good. Our historic coalition of eleven prominent business, local government and educational organizations has launched a new, comprehensive initiative to advance significant mandate relief.  We have already been successful in achieving long-term pension reform and will now continue to pursue our other five agenda items.  For additional information on the coalition and our agenda, please click here.

Tax Cap Guidance

The Office of the State Comptroller has new and improved information on its web site about the Property Tax Cap. This information includes: the formula for determining the tax levy limit; an on-line tax limit reporting form and user guide; a calculator to determine your tax cap carryover amount as well as your pension exclusion, and an updated list of FAQs.

Click here to view this and other important information on the Tax Cap.
Click here for a “Sample Local Law to Override the Tax Cap.”

Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution (RS 2417-A)

Click here for full report.

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