HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupervisors Message o~~OF SOUIyo//__
SCOTT A. RUSSELL ~ ~oy Town Hall, 53095 Route 25
SUPERVISOR l~ T P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971-0959
RECEIVED ~ ? ~o Fax (s31) 765-1823
~ Telephone (631) 766-1889
- ~OOUNT'1,~~
SEP302013
OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR
aouthold Town Clerk TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
The preparation of the budget for 2014 presents challenges that were no different than in
years past. Revenue from 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 a path of sound fiscal policy. 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 of a "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 in 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:
1. Total appropriation of $41,587,065 which is a 1.03% increase from fiscal 2013.
This will result in a tax increase of 1.17%.
2. Exceeds Town Board adopted policy of maintaining a fund balance of equal to or
greater than 10% of the general fund appropriations.
3. Includes all mandated expenditures such as the MTA Payroll "fax and increases in
the New York State Retirement Systems.
4. Includes $75,000 for deer eradication programs.
I would like to thank all 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.