MONTICELLO — The State of New York Authorities Budget Office (ABO) is currently reviewing the economic agencies of Sullivan County.

The ABO was present at the IDA meeting on February 10 and will be in the county reviewing the best practices of the IDA and other agencies for the next three months.

The ABO will be reviewing The Sullivan County Funding Corporation, The Sullivan County Infrastructure Local Development Corporation, Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, and the Emerald Corporate Center Economic Development Corp.

The ABO reviews and analyzes the “operations, practices, and reports of public authorities, to assess compliance with various provisions of Public Authorities Law and other relevant State statutes and to make recommendations concerning the reformation and structure of public authorities.”

IDA Chairman and Sullivan County Legislator from District 8 Ira Steingart, said it was a routine review.

Rieber Resigns

In other news, Board Member and Secretary Sean Rieber has resigned after eight years on the County of Sullivan Industrial Development Agency (IDA).

Members of the IDA are appointed by the Sullivan County Legislature.

Rieber told the Democrat, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the IDA, and the board and staff are, from my view, the finest group of individuals I have served with.

“Ira Steingart has led this county through eight years of unprecedented growth, 3,000 new jobs, $2 billion in new construction, and a more diversified economy. We have also put more money on the street helping small businesses in the last eight years than ever before, and I am extremely proud of that.

“With that said, my business has grown, my children are heavily involved in sports and activities, and I want to spend the next several years focused on my business and being more involved with my children's activities. I look forward to continuing to help the county move forward and will remain involved as I always have been in the non-profit sector and enhancing youth opportunities.”

Rieber was also a board member for the Sullivan County Infrastructure Local Development Corporation and the Sullivan County Funding Corporation.

IDA Chairman and Sullivan County Legislator from District 8 Ira Steingart, said, “He was an excellent board member. I'll miss him. I appreciate his years of service and insight.”

Rieber has been critical of the new legislature on social media recently over the funding cuts to the Partnership for Economic Development, saying it was a “small-minded decision by small-minded people.”

He has also been critical of the handling of the 911 center by the legislature.

When asked if anyone from the legislature asked him to step down, Rieber said, “No, I was not asked to step down by anyone.”

The Sullivan County Legislature would need to appoint another person to the IDA board.

Another Sky Campground voted down

Another Sky Campground was once again on the agenda for the County of Sullivan Industrial Development Agency.

The new campground in Forestburgh originally applied for an extension of its sales tax abatement but was denied due to unpaid property taxes.

According to the IDA Counsel Walter Garigliano, the campground has entered into a deferment plan with the county to pay off the $161,148.65 owed.

However, when the IDA board voted, the resolution did not pass, and the campground was not granted an extension with IDA board member and Sullivan County Legislator, Joe Perello having voted no.

At the February 10 meeting, there were only five out of the nine board members. Absent was Suzanne Loughlin, Howard Siegel and Scott Smith and one vacant spot left by IDA Secretary Sean Rieber, who recently resigned.

Garigliano stated during the meeting that the resolution needed five votes to pass.

Perrello historically has voted no to award Another Sky Campground tax abatement.

“I was against it when it first came up, when I don't agree with something, I don't agree with it,” said Perrello.

“Knowing the camping business, it's a seasonal business. I don't believe that they should have as much [sic] benefits as a business that is year-round, and employing many more people,” Perrello told the Democrat.

Perrello's family owned and operated Lazy G Campground in Woodridge.

President and Chief Camp Officer of Another Sky, John C. Knapp said, “Another Sky has battled through the tragic loss of our founder in 2018 and unexpected approval delays in 2019 and is now finally gearing up for a 2020 launch. The IDA's support is essential to our business plans, and we hope our extension will be granted at the next meeting.”

A special meeting of the IDA will be held on February 20 at 3 p.m. at the Sullivan County Government Center to discuss Another Sky Campground again.

The campground has 200 acres of property in Forestburgh, and in 2018 requested $295,000 in Real Property Tax Abatements from the IDA.

The site is going to offer over 100 canvas bell tents and reclaim the abandoned Forestburgh golf course by providing an upscale camping experience.