Politics & Government
Public Has Little Input On Greenport's Proposed Budget
Greenport Village residents had an opportunity to comment on the mayor's proposed 2012-2013 spending plan.
Despite a snafu that currently leaves no money for the village's parks, the public had few comments regarding the 2012-2013 tentative spending plan.
held a budget hearing on Thursday evening at the with few village residents in attendance. Only two residents made any comments on the tentative budget.
After village resident William Swiskey questioned why there was no money in the line item for parks, Mayor David Nyce said Village Treasure Charlene Kegel made an oversite and left out funding for the parks. The mayor assured the public there is money to cut the grass in the parks but upgrades have been left out. Despite this, Nyce said Kegel said the village may be able to refinance some debt and make up the difference to fund park upgrades. He said the matter will be discussed at Monday evening's work session.
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Swiskey also said he was "surprised" no changes have been made since the budget was presented on March 20. He questioned whether or not all the expenses are accounted for.
The Mayor reassured Swiskey that he worked with the treasurer and all the appropriation lines have been covered at this time. Although, Nyce said, there is still no money allocated to pay for the debt on that will come due in 2014.
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As Swiskey continued to press the mayor on his spending plan, Nyce gave him a curt response.
"Your grasp of municipal funding is less than stellar," Nyce said.
The only other resident to speak was David Corwin who requested that $500 be added to the budget to paint the front door at village hall. Corwin also asked the mayor to confirm that it would not be spending any money on parking enforcement. Nyce confirmed no money has been budgeted for parking enforcement.
Last June, the village board approved a bond to set up new parking regulations and parking meters in the village. Earlier this year the trustees voted against purchasing the meters and left the village without a means to pay for enforcement..
The mayor has proposed a $2,789,764 spending plan for 2012-2013, which represents a tax rate decrease of 0.1%. Money to be raised by property taxes is currently set at $942,547, which is the same as the 2011-2012 tax levy.
A second budget hearing will be held on Monday, April 23 at 6 p.m. at
