Important income tax information for FEMA grantees

I'd like to share this response to a question regarding FEMA grant recipients and their 2011 income taxes:

"During Income Tax Season, we gets numerous inquiries asking if the funds received from FEMA and ONA are to be claimed on income tax. The answer is no. Disaster funds are not taxable.

Applicants who suffered damage due to a Federally declared disaster may be able to claim some of their losses on their income tax and should contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for further information.

They will not receive a 1099 from FEMA; However SBA loans are interest accruing loans; the interest may be tax deductible. The 1099 was most likely from the SBA. I would refer all these inquires to the IRS phone number above or the SBA at 1-800-659-2955."

Emergency Services Dispatcher Trainee Civil Service Exam Announcement

Interested in becoming a 911 dispatcher? The job title used at Ulster County Emergency Communications is “Emergency Services Dispatcher”. A Civil Service examination for this title will be held on April 28, 2012. The last day to file to take this exam is March 14, 2012. Minimum qualifications include a high school (or equivalency) diploma, and six months of full-time paid experience or its part-time / volunteer equivalent in the operation of two-way radios in police, fire, ambulance or related work (three months experience in public works, taxi, bus or other fleet operations may be substituted for three months of the total emergency services work required).

Applications may be obtained at the Ulster County Office Building, Personnel Department, 244 Fair St. – 5th floor, PO Box 1800, Kingston NY 12402 OR by mail (include a stamped self-addressed, legal size envelope), OR from the web site http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/personnel/index.html There is a $20 filing fee to take the exam.

The starting salary for the trainee position is $17.84 per hour. There is a longevity step system that raises this salary to $19.74 per hour after one year, $20.23 per hour after two years,…and eventually to $24.50 per hour after 28 years. There is also a 10% differential for working nights and evenings. The County offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental and vision plans; 14 paid holidays per year, personal leave and vacation time; and membership in the New York State Retirement System.

More information may be found on the official Ulster County Civil Service Examination Announcement. Ulster County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

DR 4020 & 4031 NY State time extension

The State has invoked their authority to grant an initial six month extension to the time frame for Category A (debris removal) and Category B (emergency protective measures) work associated with Irene and Lee. This does not affect repair work associated with "large projects". I realize you have all worked extremely hard, and are taking advantage of this mild winter. However, this opportunity will provide some flexibility in scheduling. It is also important to note that Project Worksheets continue to be written, and those "yet to be obligated" projects are also covered by this extension.