New York task force would review aid for municipalities

The proposed law would establish a task force to review aid for municipalities and recommend future funding formulas. The seven members would include state budget and comptroller officials, representatives of statewide groups for cities, counties, and towns, and appointees of the Senate and Assembly leaders named in the bill. The task force could review other states’ models, but its alternatives and recommendations could not include giving aid to municipalities that do not receive it now. Members would serve without pay but could receive reimbursement for necessary, actual expenses. Appointments would be due within 60 days after the act takes effect. The task force would report within one year after that date. The act would expire on December 31, 2026.

The Department of Taxation and Finance and the Division of the Budget would provide data requested by the task force. The requested data would support the task force’s review and recommendations. When practicable, the data would follow the state Open Data Handbook format. The task force could consult public or private groups it considers useful. The task force could request data before issuing its findings and recommendations.