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General News: Town to Cut Seasonal Jobs, Looks for More Cuts
October 24, 2011
Keeping the town budget within the two-percent tax cap mandated by the state was on the minds of the five members of the Cornwall town board when they met this Saturday morning to attempt to cut another $200,000 from the 2012 budget.
Earlier in the week they cut their own three percent pay increases along with that of all non-union employees, part of a series of measures they agreed on that cut $300,000 from the preliminary budget. This time they looked at areas of services residents have come to expect.
When the town board went into budget talks earlier this month, it was looking at a budget that would have pushed next year’s tax increase well above the two-percent cap and board members agreed to pass a law allowing the town to exceed that cap. Meanwhile, the board began meeting to find ways to whittle down the budget by nearly $600,000. Supervisor Quigley said he asked the CSEA, which represents many town employees, if they would be willing to talk about giving back part of their three percent increase and, he said, they declined. The police union is working without a contract and is currently negotiating with the town.
A public hearing on lifting the tax cap will be held Monday evening, October 24, at town hall.
Cuts in Seasonal Employees
On Saturday, the town board members agreed to cut jobs of seasonal highway department workers who keep roadside foliage trimmed back and grass from growing in the town’s six-and-half miles of sidewalks, saving the town $35,000. They also discussed whether the town could save money by using the county police dispatcher, eliminating the two shifts in the town. Supervisor Quigley said he expects to hear this week from the county about the service they could provide and at what cost. The county already covers local dispatch on the overnight shift.
Turning the management of the sewer plant over to a private firm was estimated to save the town $100,000. They already trimmed $100,000 from the department’s sludge removal. The board agreed to eliminate stipends awarded to the planning board, zoning board and board of assessment review – a total of more than $23,000.
Will Try to Raise Revenue
The town board also looked at more ways to raise revenue, including raising the fees for building permits and fines and changing the percentage of traffic fines that goes into the town coffers.
With more than two weeks before they have to submit a budget to the public, it is clear that several options are still in play and the council is committed to keep the taxes under the state cap. “We have to do it because we can’t keep raising taxes,” said Supervisor Quigley after Saturday’s meeting. “There has to be accountability."
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