HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupervisors Message
2008 Budget Message
Supervisor Scott A. Russell
September 29, 2007
The budget presented represents the challenges oftoday's current fiscal climate. It
balances the needs of town government to provide our residents with the best services
possible while recognizing that our citizens cannot be overburdened with an excessive tax
rate increase.
The budget that I have proposed calls for a modest 3.37 percent tax rate increase,
and a nominal 2.55 percent increase in spending. It maintains sound fiscal principles by
adhering to a pay as you go policy while having the foresight to protect the town's fund
balance. The spending plan provides town employees with the essential equipment they
need to get the job done. It is straightforward, honest and contains no hidden funds or
promises that cannot be kept.
I have reviewed this budget with each department head, page by page, line by
line, and dollar by dollar. Each department has been instructed to tighten its belt, and I
have removed any department request that is not essential to maintaining good public
service. Through their hard work and a true spirit of cooperation, I have been able to
present a sound budget to guide us in the next fiscal year. I would especially like to thank
Town Comptroller John Cushman and Deputy Town Comptroller Connie Solomon for
their efforts and mutual commitment to help me provide a sound fiscal document.
As the proposed budget now goes to the town board for its review, I strongly urge
the board not to create an artificial reduction in the tax rate by either bonding nonnal
operating costs and leaving the debt to future generations or by disregarding the town's
longstanding policy of not using more than 50 percent of the town's fund balance.
2008 Budget Overview
· The spending plan provides for five new police cars to upgrade the rapidly aging
fleets and provides funds to update new vehicles badly needed in the Highway
Department. In addition, money has been allocated to update and maintain our
current fleet of equipment and vehicles in all departments. It provides resources
for the Police Department to buy vehicles needed to patrol our beaches.
· The budget calls for no increases in the salaries of elected officials. In addition
no new positions have been created and funding has been earmarked only to fill
positions which are currently vacant.
· The budget proposes the creation of a Natural Resources Department and a new
position of GIS-Land Management Coordinator, with no increase in costs but with
careful reassignment of existing staff resources.
· The spending plan continues the town's financial commitment to protect our
natural resources by providing ongoing financial resources to our Road Runoff
Mitigation Plan, and by continuing to provide funding to upgrade our beaches,
boat ramps, parking facilities and other town properties, which have previously be
allowed to fall into disrepair.
· The budget proposes an increase in the costs of beach permits for non-resident
daily passes from $12.00 to $25.00, and for non-resident seasonal permits from
$100.00 to $150.00. It does not increase the fees of passes for residents or their
guests.