Monday, October 26, 2009

ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISCUSSES FUTURE OF FEES FOR HEALTH DEPARTMENT PERMITS

Amvets Medallion Post 13 Post Commander David Hoock Provides Testimony to the Health and Human Services Committee

On Thursday, October 15th, at 8:30 a.m. the Health and Human Services Committee discussed the Department of Health's required inspections fee for any group that serves food and/or beverages throughout the County. Legislator Maria Whyte invited Commander David Hoock of the Amvets Post on Review Place to the Legislature to discuss the financial hardship this fee causes to his organization.

Legislator Whyte worked with Health and Human Services Committee Chair, Legislator Tom Mazur, to schedule time for testimony regarding the challenge this fee poses on organizations. Post Commander Hoock provided testimony to the Legislators. As a result, Whyte pledged to investigate the total revenue Erie County receives from this fee annually and to work with her colleagues during the 2010 budget process to search for possible alternatives. Whyte stated, "During the 2010 budget process, which is taking place right now, I am working with my colleagues to investigate the possibility of instituting a hardship exemption for organizations like the Amvets Post."

Since the 2005 budget crisis in Erie County, hundreds of organizations throughout the County are required to pay the inspection fee so they may serve food and beverages. For many this causes significant financial challenges. Whyte concluded, "We should not balance the County budget on the backs of our Veterans and other non-profit service providers in our community. I look forward to continuing this conversation with my colleagues and our constituents."

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