At Monday\u2019s meeting of the Village of Owego Board, held in the Legislative Auditorium at 56 Main St. in Owego, approximately 30 residents arrived for a presentation of the village\u2019s preliminary budget, which will be worked on and then voted on by the end of June.<\/p>\n
With early numbers from department heads reflecting the need for a 24 percent increase in taxes to maintain current services, the board was seeking input from residents regarding the two percent tax cap imposed on municipalities and whether it should be exceeded. The board also wanted to learn, from residents, what services they want to see remain; and if they want to keep taxes flat, what services should be consolidated and \/ or eliminated.<\/p>\n
Currently, properties in Owego are taxed $18.90 per 1,000 of assessed value; for the upcoming budget, properties would need to be taxed at $23.45 per thousand, for a 24 percent increase if the same amount of village services is to be maintained. <\/p>\n
Trustee Nick Ruiz stated, prior to the meeting, that the presentation and numbers shown reflect the challenges that the village is facing.<\/p>\n
\u201dWe, the board, feel very strongly as the budget looks now, it is not sustainable or affordable,\u201d said Ruiz, adding, \u201cThe public needs to know what it costs for the services we provide, and we need them to be aware so they can provide feedback to us on what they would like us to do with the budget as we make revisions.”<\/p>\n
Some options mentioned in the budget presentation included NY Rising money available for a joint Clerk Treasurer and Department of Public Works building that would be located out of the immediate flood plain.<\/p>\n
The board also spoke of the Sweet Fund, and noted that it will soon be out of money. The Sweet Fund is utilized for Emergency Medical Services in Owego. Billing for ambulance services was discussed as an option.<\/p>\n
Jan Nolis, who was hired to do accounting for the Village, mentioned the depleting Sweet Fund, stating that as of July 2016 there was $30,000 remaining in unrestricted funds. <\/p>\n
During the meeting, which included a public comment session, Nolis also stated she is continuing to look over the village accounting books, and stated that everyone is burdened.<\/p>\n
\u201cI commend these guys for trying to keep things reigned in,\u201d added Nolis, who is helping the Village get through several years of audits.<\/p>\n
And although there wasn\u2019t much public comment offered during the meeting, former trustee James Legursky spoke out more than once.<\/p>\n
Legursky stated emphatically, during the public comment session, \u201cYou can keep your services but you\u2019re [going] to have to pay for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Theresa Gosart, Owego resident running for a Trustee seat in March, stated that the presentation of the budget only gave two choices – consolidate departments or face massive tax increases. <\/p>\n
She also added, in an effort to posture herself for a trustee seat, \u201cIt\u2019s easy to get elected – it\u2019s much harder to govern responsibly.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Ruiz countered this idea, stating, \u201dWe, the board, feel very strongly as the budget looks now, it is not sustainable or affordable. The public needs to know what it costs though for the services we provide, and we need them to be aware so they can provide feedback to us on what they would like us to do with the budget as we make revisions.”<\/p>\n
As stated earlier in this report, the current board has time to look at things and see where money can be trimmed, and they are requesting input from village residents. <\/p>\n