Hoosick Town Board Action – Hoosick Approves Budget With 1.034% Increase

by Bea Peterson
The final business on the agenda for the Town of Hoosick at the November 14 Board meeting was approval of the 2012 budget. Earlier in the meeting both Jim Martinez and Dennis Casey repeatedly questioned the way some of the budget was put together, particularly in the area of health insurance. They felt the figure was highly inflated. Casey added that what they were presenting was deceptive. Town Supervisor Keith Cipperly responded that they were unsure what that figure would be. They all agreed the increase would be less than the 50 plus percent he anticipated. Casey estimated the amount was $14,000 too high. Both Casey and Martinez agreed it did not give a clear picture of the Town budget. Cipperly thanked them for their comments, though it changed nothing.
When it came time to vote on the budget Councilman Mark Surdam told the packed room that the budget was not perfect. “There are things I am not happy about,” he said. He added that the Board has made an effort from year to year to improve the budgeting process. “We’ve made a step in that direction,” he said. “The money is there, and it is being spent responsibly.”
Councilman Bob Ryan doesn’t feel the Board did “due diligence.” He said he liked the fact there is so little increase in taxes, but he is unhappy no money was set aside for the future Town Hall, wherever that might be. He believes a two percent increase would have allowed for a slush fund for new equipment. “I like the bottom line,” he said. “I just don’t like how we got it.”
Councilman Louis Schmigel said were he in charge, there would have been a two percent increase. He said it scares him that taxes cannot increase more than two percent, and he worries about the future. With a two percent increase some money could have been set aside in the fund balance, he added.
All the members lamented the burden the State more and more places on the Villages and Towns.
In the end, the entire Board approved the budget, 5-0.
Green Heights
Jennifer Legett once again addressed the Board regarding the water rates for the Green Heights development, demanding that the Town advocate for Town residents. Hoosick Falls Mayor Matt Monahan, who attended the meeting, spoke up to clarify the issue. “This is not a Green Heights issue,” he said. There are 34 residences in Green Heights, 75 other town residences and 12 businesses connected to the Hoosick Falls water line. He added, “We sell to 118 town parcels. The others have all been billed and they have already paid.” He argued that Green Heights is being billed only one time for the bond and two times per gallon per household. Those using excessive amounts of water will pay more. Cipperly said that Town Attorney Debra Young said there were mixed opinions with the Village’s position. Monahan responded that they have followed all the correct procedures. Cipperly and Monahan agreed there would be a meeting of as many members of the Village and Town Boards as could meet at one time after the holiday. Mayor Monahan added that at this point they cannot change the current budget. “We followed the program. We want one year of accurate (metered) billing.” In April the Village will adopt a new water/sewer budget. Changes may be possible then.
North Hoosick Fire Dept.
Ike and Bronnie Powers wanted to know why no one from the North Hoosick Fire Department ever attends the hearing on their budget. She also wanted to know why that budget was not available to the public. Town Clerk Sue Stradinger said she could not release that information until she had approval from Attorney Young.
Surdam suggested that the wording of the Town’s contract with the Fire Department be changed so that at least one North Hoosick representative must attend the hearing to answer any questions regarding their budget. He would also like to see a quarterly expense report from the Department. Ryan suggested the Town should request an audit of the Department.
Powers also wanted the fire department budget voting time to be longer than from 6 to 9 pm so that people working second shift have an opportunity to vote on that budget.
Winter Sand
After review by Highway Superintendent Bill Shiland, the Board accepted the one bid for winter sand from Peckham Industries (Dailey’s) for 2,500 tons at $8.35 a ton, providing the Town picks it up. “We’ll begin picking it up tomorrow,” said Shiland. The total cost is $20,875.
Shiland said they have almost finished up with FEMA. They will have a site visit next Monday. “Realistically,” he said, “we’re not getting any money back this year.” He said trees that are being cut down on Pine Valley Road are eligible for FEMA funds, but the Town won’t have the bill for that work until December.
Wall And Greenway
Town Historian Phil Leonard said he estimated at least 400 people attended the dedication of the new Veterans Wall on 11/11/11. “It was a good project,” he said. “We worked hard, and we were very happy it happened.” He added that the committee hasn’t quit. “We’re still active and still collecting funds for the landscaping and benches.” He added that he has received requests for additional names to be added to the Wall. “That will come later,” he said.
Leonard said the history board put together by Charlie Filkins for this month was of the Greenway and what was located along that pathway years ago. Once, for example, there was even a brewery located in that area.
Clerk’s Report
For October Town Clerk Sue Stradinger took in $19,139 in conservation licenses (i.e. hunting and fishing) and issued nine building permits. With other licenses and permits, the Town took in $20,485. Of that amount $1,805.55 was turned over to the Town Supervisor.
Letter From Youth Center
Supervisor Cipperly received a letter from HAYC3, the Youth Center, requesting additional funding. Again, Cipperly and Monahan said they would get together to discuss what is given the Center.
Memo Of Agreement
The Supervisor had a memo of agreement from the Division of Military Affairs regarding Town use of the Armory. In part it was expected that the Town would take care of the boiler maintenance system. The Board agreed this was not a viable option. There is still the possibility the Town could purchase the Armory through special NYS Legislative approval. As the memo stands, the Board agreed to table it.
At this point Cipperly asked Bruce Patire to come up and explain his lease proposal on his property that the Town is considering, along with Weebs, the Armory and the possibility of a new building, for a Town Hall. Patire proposed a four year lease to buy option with renovations he has in mind for $375,000. During that four years he would pay the property and school tax. Margaret Casey asked him if he was still willing to make money on the Town and to also serve on the Town Board. Cipperly pointed out that Patire could not take part in any discussions or decisions to be made on the Town Hall. Before Patire got too far in his discussion Surdam pointed out the meeting was not the proper venue for the discussion. He also stated that during the campaign Patire made it clear where he wanted the Town Hall to be. “And the majority of the people voted for him,” said Surdam.
The Board set an open workshop for 6 pm on Monday, December 12, for further discussion on the buildings under consideration for a Town Hall.
That workshop will be followed by the Board’s regular monthly meeting.
The Board ended the meeting congratulating the HFCS girls soccer team and the football team on their successes so far this season.