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GVFC Public Hearing: in Contrast to Reports
To the Editor:
At the January 30 public hearing, despite having stated on several occasions that the Town and the GVFC had for at least 10 years, been building amounts into each annual budget to accumulate reserves for the purchase of equipment, the Town Board voted unanimously to approve the GVFC's request to borrow $300,000 to complete the purchase of a $500,000 pumper. In contrast to what was reported in the PCNR last week, which only included the GVFC's claims, the borrowing is unnecessary due to the existence of the accumulated funds and will result in substantial cost to the community in interest and fees.
It has repeatedly been stated by the Town Board that the GVFC is a private company having no relationship to the town other than as a private contractor. If that is the case, taking large amounts of taxpayer's money and giving it to a private company to hold is just wrong. If it is part of the town government, on the other hand, then taking the taxpayer's money earlier than absolutely required must be strictly regulated.
The financial figures used by the GVFC and those questioning the borrowing were indeed identical, as the PCNR report stated, however there was no mention in the report of the fact that there was no satisfactory explanation given by the GVFC or the Town for the need to borrow. The Supervisor did say, however, that the Town Board had met with the GVFC in private before the public hearing.
Yes, as reported, the GVFC contract amount for 2008 is $718,879, but not reported is that it is about 15% higher than the contract amount for 2007 and about double the contract amount only 6 years ago.
Stan Freilich
Garrison
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