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January 17, 2012
To the Editor:
I am writing this to you following the Village Board meeting on Monday, January 16, 2012.
This evening I was given no choice but to vote against the new village budget for 2012-13. I did this because it came in with a 2.85% increase in the tax rate and I think we can do better for the taxpayer and still meet our financial responsibilities. I have verified the surpluses in the 2010-11 budget with the village auditor who in the last month completed a compilation of our finances.
I spoke with him to unequivocally understand that we had a $149,167 surplus in the general budget on the balance sheet carried into this current budget year. That money has not been recognized and incorporated into this new budget. Why not and what did we do with it? It was cash in our checkbook when the auditor signed off on this compilation on November 30, 2011. If we had a good year, let’s be proud of our accomplishment and give the taxpayers some consideration. Or maybe use it to pay down the debt but let’s recognize a surplus and put it to good use.
Also, in the water budget I have verified a $330,995 surplus with the auditors. We have specific needs in the water department so this money could be earmarked for long overdue projects. But please don’t carry on like it’s not there or create a slush fund. Let’s plan ahead and agree on what projects we are funding with this money.
I also made it very clear that I will not support bonding for the DPW repairs. Right now, one half of your village tax bill goes to pay the debt service. Just think, without the debt your village taxes could be cut in half! The debt is coming down and I will not increase it without a very clear understanding of our financials. I need clearer answers as to where we have money and how we can best meet our needs and it’s not by raising taxes and bonding. It’s by making smart financial decisions based on critical information.
I am committed to getting us to a better financial position and I think it’s possible.
Thank you.
Barbara Gosda
Trustee
Cornwall-on-Hudson
Comments:
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"I spoke with him to unequivocally understand that we had a $149,167 surplus in the general budget on the balance sheet carried into this current budget year. That money has not been recognized and incorporated into this new budget. Why not and what did we do with it? . . . .
Also, in the water budget I have verified a $330,995 surplus with the auditors. We have specific needs in the water department so this money could be earmarked for long overdue projects. But please don?t carry on like it?s not there or create a slush fund."
If it walks like a shell game and quacks like a shell game, it probably is a shell game being played with our taxes.
posted by dave house on 01/18/12 at 10:54 AM
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In order to manage a budget with different accounts you have to move money around between accounts because needs of the business change over time.
posted by Vishwa Chaudhry on 02/18/12 at 10:45 AM
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