NORWICH – Despite a handful of lawmakers who dug in their heels again, a new local law imposing a 30 cent monthly surcharge on individual cell phone usage passed the Chenango County Board of Supervisors by a vote of 17 to 5.
The law would impose the tax on every devise used except by Lifeline customers and county employees who use cell phones in the line of work.
The measure was suggested at the committee level nearly three years ago, debated and passed at the board level in February, and moved onto the state’s legislature. The law required state-level action in order for the county to impose the tax in lieu of home rule, the county’s system of municipal self-government.
The revenues are intended to underwrite the county’s nearly completed $3 million emergency communications tower project. The system was expected to be operational in April, but now has a December finish date.
Before the board vote, Town of Norwich Supervisor David C. Law suggested that municipal highway departments, schools and fire departments be exempt from the tax as well. He said fire and police often use cell phones when they don’t want to go live over scanner airways.
“We’re all part of the county. We should be exempt, too,” he said.
County Attorney Richard Breslin said it would be difficult for cell providers to identify users, and the revenues from the tax would be wiped out by local administration costs that would incur from monitoring individuals’ use.
City of Norwich Supervisor James J. McNeil suggested the revenues raised would be “big” and “exceed the maintenance needs” of the 911 system.
“I hope the Finance Committee sets up a reserve fund for updating emergency communications equipment as time goes on. I see a big revenue source here,” he said. Finance Chairman Lawrence Wilcox suggested that such a reserve was planned.
Opposing the law were supervisors Law, McNeil, Jerry Kreiner, R-Plymouth; James Bays, D-Smyrna, and Ross Iannello of New Berlin, who is not party affiliated. Supervisor Rick E. Chase, D-Bainbridge, suggested in February to lower the initial tax and raise it in 30 cent increments as needed. He was absent from the board meeting Monday and did not vote.
Chenango County cell phone users would see the surcharge on their monthly phone bills.
Landline usage is already taxed 34 cents per month.
The county’s tower project is complete except for the Barnes Hill tower in Norwich. Contracts are also being finalized for the use of privately-owned towers in Sherburne and Sidney. Officials say the delivery of microwave dishes was also been delayed due to contract review issues.