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Philipstown Finalizes 2008 Budget
Tax increase outside villages expected to be slightly above 10%
by Mike Turton
After numerous workshops devoted to reviewing draft and departmental budgets, the Town of Philipstown adopted its final budget for 2008 on November 20, 2007. The Town will raise a total of $6,246,889 in taxes next year. The budget is divided into two main sections. The "A" budget, which covers all of Philipstown, including the Villages of Cold Spring and Nelsonville, will see a tax increase of 6.02%. For a house with an assessed value of $300,000 that will translate to increase of twenty-seven dollars. The "B" budget includes services provided outside the two villages and will increase by 8.67%. For a house with an assessed value of $300,000 that will result in an increase of one hundred and seventeen dollars. Combined, the tax increase outside the villages will be 10.06 %.
Here are some of the 2008 budget highlights.
The Highways budget devotes $405,546 for capital improvements to area roads. Some of the projects to be undertaken include application of two inches of top coat on Clove Creek Road, Evans Knoll Road, Evans Terrace, Valley Lane and Mountain Drive. Major culvert repairs are planned for both Indian Brook and Philipse Brook Roads. Funds have also been budgeted for drainage and engineering on Old Albany Post Road in the Continental Village area, with additional monies available through FEMA if paving is undertaken. There has been considerable debate over whether part of that road should be paved or left as a gravel surface. The area is prone to serious erosion after significant rainfall events. The Town plans to meet with residents at least once more before proceeding with improvements.
The Recreation Department's budget of $952,957 represents a 4% decrease compared to 2007. Among the department's plans for 2008 are increased programs for senior citizens and the purchase of a bus for transporting participants to and from programs. The Town is also close to signing the final agreement with the Open Space Institute for the transfer of the 93-acre Glenclyffe property which houses the Philipstown Recreation Center and departmental offices.
Forty-two thousand dollars has been budgeted to hire a part-time deputy through the Putnam County Sheriff's office. The deputy will be assigned to Philipstown to assist with traffic enforcement along Route 9D and Route 9. The officer will pay close attention to problems caused by trucks coming off of Bear Mountain Bridge. The contract to hire the deputy mirrors the agreement between the Sheriff's office and the Town of Southeast. It allows either party to opt out with thirty days notice. Garrison resident Russell Dushin expressed the view that the deputy should be charge to the "A" budget which covers the entire Town including the Villages. Supervisor Bill Mazzuca responded that the deputy will only patrol areas outside the villages and that as a result will be charged to the "B" budget. "It's just common sense" Mazzuca stated. "You can't charge villagers for services they don't receive."
Secretaries and clerks at the Town Hall will receive a 3% increase in pay and a contingency fund of $15,000 has been created to begin to address seniority issues. Town Councilors will receive a one thousand dollar raise to $17,000. The deputy supervisor will also receive a $1,000 increase for an annual salary of $19,500. The Supervisor's salary remains at $25,000. The Superintendent of Highways' salary will increase from $80,340 to $86,000. The Town attorney will receive an increase of $2,250 bringing his salary to $62,250.
The Garrison Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD) will see its funding from Philipstown increase by $96,152 to $715,889, primarily to fund the purchase of a new fire truck, as part of a long-term plan for equipment replacement. There was considerable debate during the budget process regarding the increase and whether or not it was warranted given the GVFD's cash reserves. The Town and GVFD will renew a three-year contract beginning in 2008 and vehicle purchases and cash reserves will be a significant part of those discussions. Resident Joe Regele was at the final budget meeting and questioned GVFD's need for the large increase. "They should have all the equipment they need - just not a really full piggy bank" he said. Regele plans to submit ideas to the Town Board to be considered in the new contract. Supervisor Bill Mazzuca commented that "Between now and January first, the contract will look much different."
Next year's budget also includes $276,000 for the Butterfield Library, an increase of 120% over the previous $125,000 level. The funding increase was approved in a public referendum, but a legal dispute between the Town and library followed. The Town and the library recently came to an agreement ending the impasse. A recent article in the PCN&R by this reporter failed to mention that as part of the agreement the Town will not pay the increased amount in 2007. The library is now listed in the budget as a district, in the same manner as local fire departments and water districts.
Only five people attended the final budget session. Town Supervisor Bill Mazzuca and Councilor Richard Shea thanked Nat Prentice, Joe Regele and Russel Dushin for their involvement and input throughout the budget process. Prentice attended virtually every budget workshop.
Councilor Richard Shea announced that the Town Board will hear a presentation from AKRF, a White Plains planning and engineering firm at the December 6 board meeting. The Town is planning to hire a planner/engineer on a part time basis. The position will be filled at least by the first of the year, possibly even sooner.
Providing local news, information and opinions from
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