AUBURN - A Cayuga County legislator requested Tuesday that the county appropriate $500,000 to assist in the development of an institute to foster economic development in the county.
Legislator David Pappert, R-Auburn, presented Government Operations committee members Tuesday night with a letter requesting they consider a fiscal year 2007 supplemental appropriation in support of developing the Stardust Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Although committee members were receptive to the idea of supporting the institute, they were critical of the financial request.
“I agree with Dave that this is an important project and we should support it. But I think the appropriate place to do this would be in the budget, not outside it,” said Daniel Schuster, D-Auburn.
In his letter, Pappert requested that the Legislature approve a one-time, fiscal year 2007 supplemental appropriation, in the amount of $500,000 to support the Stardust Institute.
“I don't want to burden my taxpayers to fund a think-tank in the city of Auburn,” said Steve Cuddeback, R-Niles.
The Stardust Institute is one idea resulting from the Call to Action: Blueprint for Our Region's Future, a plan driven by community leaders and supported by State Sen. Michael Nozzolio, R-Fayette.
The Center for Entrepreneurial Initiative will feature a business incubator and provide innovative programs and courses as well as entrepreneurial opportunities for students.
According to the letter, Pappert explained that due to the county's improved financial condition and the likelihood of a strong sales tax performance for 2007, the county is in a position to make a significant contribution to the initiative.
“We're not here to donate taxpayers' money to any project,” said Francis Mitchell, Government Operations Chairman. “You don't do donations, I don't think this would be right.”
Mitchell suggested reducing property taxes if the county encounters a strong sales tax performance at the end of the year.
“When you say increased sales tax the first thing that comes to mind is to reduce property tax,” Mitchell said.
According to Pappert's letter, the institute's long-term goal is to retain area students in the county after they obtain their two- or four-year degrees to start businesses and lay roots that will lead to the creation of jobs in Cayuga County.
“I know the money amount is significant, but it's important to at least hear them out,” said Michele Sedor, D-Sennett. “What needs to be kept here is an open mind.”
Committee members will further discuss the request during April's Government Operations meeting.
Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net
Although committee members were receptive to the idea of supporting the institute, they were critical of the financial request.
“I agree with Dave that this is an important project and we should support it. But I think the appropriate place to do this would be in the budget, not outside it,” said Daniel Schuster, D-Auburn.
In his letter, Pappert requested that the Legislature approve a one-time, fiscal year 2007 supplemental appropriation, in the amount of $500,000 to support the Stardust Institute.
“I don't want to burden my taxpayers to fund a think-tank in the city of Auburn,” said Steve Cuddeback, R-Niles.
The Stardust Institute is one idea resulting from the Call to Action: Blueprint for Our Region's Future, a plan driven by community leaders and supported by State Sen. Michael Nozzolio, R-Fayette.
The Center for Entrepreneurial Initiative will feature a business incubator and provide innovative programs and courses as well as entrepreneurial opportunities for students.
According to the letter, Pappert explained that due to the county's improved financial condition and the likelihood of a strong sales tax performance for 2007, the county is in a position to make a significant contribution to the initiative.
“We're not here to donate taxpayers' money to any project,” said Francis Mitchell, Government Operations Chairman. “You don't do donations, I don't think this would be right.”
Mitchell suggested reducing property taxes if the county encounters a strong sales tax performance at the end of the year.
“When you say increased sales tax the first thing that comes to mind is to reduce property tax,” Mitchell said.
According to Pappert's letter, the institute's long-term goal is to retain area students in the county after they obtain their two- or four-year degrees to start businesses and lay roots that will lead to the creation of jobs in Cayuga County.
“I know the money amount is significant, but it's important to at least hear them out,” said Michele Sedor, D-Sennett. “What needs to be kept here is an open mind.”
Committee members will further discuss the request during April's Government Operations meeting.
Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net