The Greenburgh Town Board has started to review the budget requests of each department. On Thursday evening we met with three department heads: Town Attorney, Assessor and Planning. Each department head proposed budgets that will cut spending in 2009 from 2008 levels. Our goal: To come in with a budget with a spending cut of about 5%. Because of the severe economic downturn - a 5% spending cut (and service reductions) will only reduce the size of a tax hike, not eliminate a tax hike. A proposed budget will be released by the end of October and the Board will approve a final budget in mid December.
This Tuesday the Town Board will review department budget requests for three departments: Parks Department (2:15); Public Works (3:45 PM) and the Theodore Young Community Center (7:15 PM). Our meetings are streamed live on the internet and can also be watched on public access TV.
IN ADDITION COUNCIL MEMBERS SONJA BROWN, DIANA JUETTNER, KEVIN MORGAN, FRANCIS SHEEHAN AND I WILL CONTINUE COMMUNITY OUTRACH. WE WILL BE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS SEEKING YOUR INPUT:
Monday, October 6th – 4:30pm to 5:30pm – Knollwood A& P
Friday, October 10th – 4:30pm to 5:30pm - *
Saturday, October 11th – noon to 2:00pm - *
Monday, October 13th – 3:00pm to 5:00pm - *
Saturday & Sunday, October 18th & 19th – Knollwood A& P, Scarsdale A& P
The 2009 budget is going to be a difficult one --for Greenburgh, for every community in the nation. Mortgage tax revenue is down, we are receiving less financial assistance from the state, interest on investments is down, certiorari's are reducing the tax base. We have to make difficult choices. However, your input is important during this process. Are the cuts we are making adequate? Should we cut less or more? Members of the Board are willing to make housecalls. If you would like us to stop by at your house to discuss the budget in greater detail please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com.
PAUL FEINER