MONTICELLO — Incorporating a variety of salary increases and state-mandated costs, the 2015 Sullivan County tentative budget crosses the $200 million mark yet still manages to limit the estimated tax increase to 1.7 percent.

That amounts to around $19 extra per $100,000 of assessed value, though a change in the STAR program may mean taxpayers get a refund of that increase.

“The 2015 tentative budget is fiscally responsible in that it proposes a tax levy increase that is less than what is allowed under the New York State tax cap law,” County Manager Josh Potosek said upon its unveiling Tuesday.

“This is accomplished without having relied upon one-shot revenue sources, including not appropriating any fund balance [surplus] from the General Fund for the third consecutive year. This budget also maintains vital services that are needed in the community.”

No layoffs are proposed in the $201.4 million budget, and while vacant positions may go unfilled, Potosek confirmed that his proposed budget provides for two new Sheriff's deputies, a Public Health Educator to address the county's poor health rankings, a part-time Breast Feeding Counselor, a Staff Development Coordinator for the Dept. of Family Services, a new administrative secretary for Human Resources, and another per-diem Licensed Practical Nurse at the Adult Care Center.

Reflecting renewed confidence in the stability of the county's finances (sales tax revenue, for example, is looking to come in above 2013 levels), Potosek is also proposing taking on more than $6 million in bonding debt to fix deteriorating roads and bridges, along with putting $1.2 million into a debt reserve fund.

The latter move is intended to spur long-term efforts by the Legislature, especially in light of the fact that the percentage of county roads in good repair has fallen from 52 percent in 2004 to 20 percent in 2014.

“The status quo cannot be sustained when it comes to funding our local road and bridge infrastructure,” admonished Potosek. “I am recommending that addressing this issue be made a top priority of the county. An analysis should take place to assess the current conditions of our roads and bridges to determine if it is feasible for the county to ever have enough funds in order to support all of our infrastructure assets at currently desired levels, and to explore alternative funding methods than what is currently being utilized.”

Responding to an uproar over monies arbitrarily given to a skate park project in Liberty, legislators ensured Potosek also allocated $100,000 in the proposed budget for a local initiative grant program.

“Funding would be available for projects that align with one of the county's goals,” Potosek said, who recommends the creation of an advisory group to vet applicants and make recommendations.

Now it's up to legislators to review the budget, make revisions and adopt it by December 20.

“There is still work that may be done, but as a starting place, we couldn't be more pleased,” said Legislature Chairman Scott Samuelson.

The public does not get to vote on the budget, but hearings where they can comment will be held on November 6 at noon and November 13 at 5 p.m. at the Government Center in Monticello.

The budget is available for review in print at the Government Center or online at http://webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/omb/CountyofSullivanTentativeBudget_2015.pdf