HomeMy WebLinkAboutTownBoard_Minutes_20171002Danby Town Board
Minutes of Special Budget Meeting
October 2, 2017
Present:
Councilpersons: Rebecca Brenner, Leslie Connors, Ric Dietrich (Supervisor), Jim Holahan, Jack
Miller
Others Present:
Town Clerk Pamela Goddard
Bookkeeper Laura Shawley
Public Ted Crane
Regular Meeting Opened at 7:35pm
Budget Presentation
The Tentative Budget was presented to the Town Board. Bookkeeper Shawley provided additional
support information.
Support documents presented included estimated cash balances as of September 30,2017, assessments
of the increases in municipal funds between 2017 and 2018, a tax levy analysis for the years 2012 to 2018
(currently as budgeted), the amount of allowed increase for the 2018 tax cap, itemized 2018 tax levy
analysis of the various municipal funds, tax cap history from 2012 to 2017 inclusive, a list of other
government support requests, and a budget rate analysis of the tentative 2018 budget.
The 2018 Tentative Budget has an increase of 2.87%, staying under the allowed tax cap by $13,616.
(Danby’s tax cap for 2018 allows a 3.6% increase of 66,353.) The tax levy for Danby municipal funds, all
combined but without the Fire District budget, is $1,893,466, an increase of $52,737 from 2017.
Shawley went through a line-by-line review of the Budget with the Town Board.
Crane spoke on behalf of the Danby Community Council, stating that the budget figures in the
Tentative Budget did not accurately reflect the anticipated 2018 budget of the DCC. Further information
will be presented to the Board following the DCC’s October 5 meeting.
Holahan suggested that the budget line for the Deputy Supervisor be increased to more accurately
reflect the amount of work that can be involved with the position. An increase in stipend for this position
should be connected to increased activity and responsibility for Deputy Supervisors in the future. There
was a brief discussion regarding Holahan’s suggestion. It was suggested that other Towns be consulted
regarding the job description and duties of their Deputy Supervisors. Dietrich and Brenner noted that
some Towns have more than one Deputy Supervisor, each with dedicated roles and responsibilities. If the
Deputy received the same stipend as a Town Board member, this would be in the range of $2,800 a year
as compared to $57 a year currently.
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Tax Cap Override Discussion
The Board discussed whether to consider an annual Local Law to Override the NYS Tax Cap.
Connors expressed her view that, while the budget is good and there is not an intention to exceed the
tax cap for 2018, she thinks that it would be good insurance to pass an override law again. Dietrich asked
how the hearing for the Tax Cap Override law went the past year? Board members said that there were
people who came out with concerns and strong opinions in 2016 but that those concerns were addressed
at the time. Bookkeeper Shawley reported that she saw a lot of stress on the part of residents concerns that
the Board would even think about overriding the tax cap. Dietrich framed the question as whether
consideration of an Override Law creates more public anxiety or whether it provides a forum for public
discussion. Holahan stated that he was unsure what was best and asked questions in order to help form his
position.
Brenner stated that there would have to be a very large burden facing the Town for her to consider
overriding the tax cap. She sees a lot of “wiggle room” in the current budget and saw no need for a local
law to override. Bookkeeper Shawley noted that this burden would need to arise in the next month, to
impact the 2018 budget. There was some discussion regarding measures which could be taken to address
financial impacts of a future emergency. Shawley noted that there is a “cushion” in reserve accounts and
fund balances. In addition, insurance would be used in the case of catastrophic events impacting buildings
or infrastructure. Such emergency needs would not be directly related to the current annual budget.
In response to a question from the Supervisor, Clerk Goddard expressed her view that undertaking the
process of a local law to override seemed, “an excessive ‘make work’ for no particular reason in this
case.” The Board would need to decide at this meeting, to allow enough time for legal notification and all
of the other tasks related to passage of a Local Law. Clerk Goddard responded that she would do
whatever was needed to further the intent of the Board.
MOTION - TAX CAP OVERRIDE LOCAL LAW
Moved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby has determined that it will not proceed with a Local Law to
Override the NYS Tax Cap for the 2018 municipal budget.
Moved by Brenner, Second by Miller. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Opposed: Connors
Adjournment
Adjournment was at 9:30 pm. !!!!
______________________________________
Pamela Goddard, Town Clerk
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