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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupervisors Message SCOTT A. RUSSELL SUPERVISOR RECEIVED Soulhold Town Cle~[ OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR TOWN OF SOUTHOLD Town Hall, 53095 Route 25 P.O, Box 1179 Southold, New York 11971-0959 Fax (631) 765-1823 Telephone (631) 765-1889 The preparation of the budget for 2013 presents challenges that were no different than m years past. Revenue fi:om all sources continues to decline. Assessed values have also declined. Further, the costs of operating this Town continue to increase. Fuel costs, healthcare costs, and obligations to the New York State Retirement Systems are but some of the costs that continue to increase. To be sure, developing a budget that continues to meet the needs of this community presents real challenges. However, I firmly believe that these challenges can be met and will be met. The budget I am presenting continues on the path of sound fiscal pohcy. It is important that in an era of 2 % tax caps, government resists the urge to rely on debt service. This budget does not. It honors our past principles ora "pay as you go" approach to governing. Additionally, this budget honors the adopted policy of maintaining a healthy fund balance and does not contain unrealistic revenue projections. I look forward to working with the Town Board as they review this budget. I am confident that this board will continue its practice of developing a budget that is straight forward, honest and adheres to the sound fiscal principles that we have followed in the past. Some key features of this budget are: Total appropriation of $40,976,029 which will increase the tax rate by 1.98 %. Adheres to the adopted Town Board policy of maintaining a fund balance of equal to or greater then 10% of the general fund appropriations. Includes mandated expenditures such as the MTA Payroll Tax and increases in the New York State Retirement Systems. I would like to thank alt of the department heads for their help in preparation of this budget. I would like to especially thank Town Comptroller, John Cushman and Assistant Town Comptroller, Connie Solomon for their tireless efforts and commitment to excellence in the preparation of the document.