Unexpected Election Costs and Potential Loss of Sales Tax Revenue Might Cause Budget Shortfall
By Donald McBrayer
The Regular Town Board Meeting was held on Monday, March 22 at 7:00 PM.
Minutes for the March 08 Town Board Meeting were approved and can be found at:
http://d1091839.domain.com/PeruTown/min10/03-08-2010-RM.pdf
In action the Board:
- Was informed www.PeruTown.com <http://www.PeruTown.com> now has full search capabilities, which include all minutes.
- Passed a Resolution for the Town Insurance Renewal not to exceed $61,130.52
- Discussed the progress on the School Street sidewalk. The sidewalk will extend from Pleasant Street to Woodland Drive on the school side of School Street. It will be 4’ wide with 5’ ADA compliant passing zones every 200 feet, and will be located 3’ from the street. The preliminary DOT estimated cost for the project was $90,000 exceeding the $84,850 that was budgeted. Adele Douglas informed the Board local costs would actually be lower than DOT estimates and would most likely be within budgeted amounts. She expects to receive a final cost and design later this week.
- Scheduled a Workshop with three items for Monday, March 29 at 6:30 P.M. The items to be covered in the workshop include: A Meeting with South Acres Mobile Home Park owner Tam Phung; Town Administrative Positions; and the Employee Benefits Handbook.
- Discussed a “draft” copy of the NYS AUD Report. Town Supervisor, Peter Glushko informed the board this draft needs a bit of “tweaking” before it will be released for public dissemination. Glushko asked the Board to look over the draft and make any suggestions for changes before submission to the Comptroller for completion.
- Appointment of Town Councilor, Susan Polhemus to Town Internal Procedures Auditor. Mrs. Polhemus will be responsible for utilizing a Comptroller generated checklist for the purpose of checking the procedures in place for handling receipts. She will not be working directly with town funds.
- Tabled a Resolution for changes to the Secretary of Board position until more information can be acquired.
- Discussed potential 2010 Election costs for the Town. Mr. Glushko informed the board that because of the move to the new voting machines, election costs are estimated to be $35 per voter, and with 1500 voters (the average turnout) could exceed $50,000. See previous story story
- Mr. Glushko informed the Board the County is being somewhat “evasive” about inquires about this year’s sales tax check. Last year Peru received $106,000 from the County, and this year the budget estimated $65,000. The County has not issued letters, or indicated whether or not checks will be issued. If the Town does not receive the check, the Board may need to amend the Budget. Because of the Election Costs and the Sales Tax issue, Mr. Glushko took the opportunity to remind all Department Heads to carefully watch spending.
- Passed a Motion to post signs at the Lapham Mill Park that will restrict parking to park use only.
- Passed a Resolution enacting the Backflow Prevention Device Ordinance.
- Town Historian, Ron Allen, complimented the Board on their professional appearance. The gentlemen were all wearing ties.
The Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 P.M.
Posted: March 23rd, 2010 under General News, Town Board News.