HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 Budget Message2009 Budget Message
Supervisor Scott A. Russell
September 30, 2008
The budget I have submitted reflects the realities of the current economic climate.
Despite holding the fiscal line with no increase in spending, a sharp drop in revenues
combined with a substantial increase in medical costs result in a proposed budget that
calls for a 13.81 percent increase in taxes. Among the key features of this budget, it:
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Provides for no replacements of personnel for any existing vacant position.
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Freezes all personnel at current title with no promotion.
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Reorganizes the duties of the Building Department to include Code Enforcement
and reduces one paid position.
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Provides no increase in salaries for elected or appointed officials.
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Eliminates all purchases of vehicles and equipment to only “critically needed
items”.
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Reduces overtime appropriations across all departments.
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Calls for the hiring of four new police officers with a corresponding reduction in
overtime appropriations.
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Adheres to the adopted Town Board Policy of appropriating only ½ of the fund
balance to offset next year’s operating budget.
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While operating expenditures are held to no new increase in spending, the
increase in medical costs of claims and premiums accounts for the entire 3.42%
increase in spending overall.
I thank each department head for working with me to reduce anticipated spending and I
especially appreciate Town Comptroller John Cushman and Deputy Comptroller Connie
Solomon for their assistance and expertise as we worked through this difficult process.
The Town Board will have my full cooperation in exploring any and all options to be
considered as we endeavor to reduce this budget on behalf of the people of Southold
Town.