The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

The Fiscal Oversight Report is not the only bad news the Peru Town Board has received from the State Comptroller.  The Comptroller also manages town and state employee retirement funds. At the September 10, 2012 Board meeting, town counselors were informed that the town’s annual employee retirement expenses would be increasing by an estimated 18% in 2013. This year’s budgeted retirement expense is $160,935. In 2013 it will cost the town approximately $190,568.  The New York State retirement system is still feeling the impact of the 2008-2009 stock market crash.

The Town Board is also considering purchase of two LED message boards (similar to the sign in front of the Peru Fire Department) at a cost of approximately $7,000 each. One sign would replace the sign currently in use near the Peru Gazebo/Peru Community Church. The other would be placed in front of the town hall.

The Board appeared ready to vote on the sign purchase at this meeting until three residents including this writer raised objections. Because of the expressed concerns, the Board postponed the purchase while they seek public opinion on this issue. Peru Gazette writer Don McBrayer outlined the issue as follows:

PROS:

– The sign is a modern form of public communication in the community.

– It’ll be easier to read than the current sign.

– The sign can rotate through several messages getting more info to the people.

– It can be updated quickly by computer saving on man-hours meaning savings to the taxpayer.

– Emergency messages can be posted quickly.

CONS:

– $14,000 on signs is a lot of tax dollars when there are other forms of communication in place, i. e., the Town’s web page, the existing town sign, public notices in the press, etc.

– LED signs take away from the village character, something that is protected in our comprehensive plan and zoning regulation.

– They’ll be bright at night disturbing residential neighbors.

– They’ll create a driving distraction in the center of the hamlet.

Compromises discussed at the meeting included: Buy just one sign for the Gazebo for $7000. Make certain it is framed in such a way that it reflects the character of the hamlet. It would have no moving characters, no scrolling text, no blinking messages, etc. It would be turned off from 9 PM or 11PM till 6AM (except for emergency messages).

The Town Board is seeking opinions on this before they make a final decision.

In other actions:

Supervisor Glushko said that bids on the Water System Improvement Project came in about $200,000 lower than expected. The impact of financing a $3 million project on the water users has not been finalized. Initial estimates placed the tax rate increase at $1.32 per $1000 of assessed value.

Supervisor Glushko informed the Board that the town has prevailed a second time in the matter of Donald Covel vs. the Town of Peru.  Former Supervisor Covel contends that he qualifies for health insurance benefits. The Town Board disagrees saying that the town’s health coverage policy was changed prior to Covel leaving town employment.