OWASCO - More than 50 Owasco residents packed town hall Thursday night to voice their opinions at the public hearing on the proposed 2009 town budget.
Many of those in attendance were motivated by a item in the budget to hire a full-time police officer from the Cayuga County Sheriff's office along with a car and money for equipment at a total of $115,000 per year.
“In my opinion,” Michael Jones of Oakridge Road said, “a policing issue isn't warranted in this town for juvenile delinquency. That figure would amount to $20,000 per incident if Ed (Wagner) was correct and there are six incidents per year.”
“I oppose hiring a police officer as well,” Lucinda Renaro said.
“I concur with these two people,” Sydney Beckwith said. “I especially think we should be looking to reduce expenses.”
After 12 more residents spoke against the measure and town councilmen explained their thoughts in providing the community policing, the proposed budget was amended to remove the $115,000 figure and
add $25,000 for the same type of sheriff's protection the town had in the past - a volunteer with wages deducted from the $25,000 appropriated. The vote to amend was 3-2, with Alberici and Klink voting no and the vote to pass the preliminary budget as amended was the same.
Budget totals, after the amendments, amounted to $2,046,674. The town's tax levy of 7 cents per thousand assessed valuation, or $70 in taxes on a $100,000 house, remained the same as in 2008.
The town also heard a project description for Sewer District No. 1 improvements on Havens Avenue, Melrose Road and Archie Street. The capital cost of the proposed project will be shared among all properties within that sewer district, amounting to $1,569,000 financed over a 20-year period at 6 percent interest. The estimated annual debt service of $136,793 would be shared by 969 units in that district, or $141 per unit (single-family home) as the estimated first year annual user cost beginning in 2010. There is a possibility that the loan can be made through a special program at lower interest rates.
The board unanimously declared a Type II environmental action on Havens Avenue in compliance with DEC regulations. It also unanimously resolved to approve the bond resolution authorizing the issuance of $1,569,000 in serial bonds to finance the cost of improvement for Sewer District No. 1 and unanimously agreed to pay an additional fee for engineering services of Barton & Loguidice.
A resolution to renew the cable television franchise held by Time Warner Cable LLE from November 2008 through Nov. 2013 was unanimously passed with the proviso that the town lawyer approve. Some questions were raised about whether this contract would prevent another company such as Verizon FIOS from also operating in Owasco within that time period.
Local Law No. 4 of 2008 regarding the use of the recycling center was also unanimously passed. The law states that the use of the recycling center is limited to Owasco town residents and Owasco property owners only. No other persons, including private contractors hired by Owasco residents or property owners may use the recycling center.
But the Director of Public Works and/or refuse and garbage manager, in his sole discretion, may grant permission to an individual or contractor hired by an Owasco resident or Owasco property owner to use the recycling center for a specific purpose and limited period of time, subject to town regulations. In addition, Cayuga County residents may dispose of refuse and recyclable items only subject to the laws of the town.
The town also voted on a local government efficiency grant program and an agreement with Costich Engineering to survey the proposed Owasco Sewer District No. 1 improvements on Havens Avenue/Melrose Road area at a cost of $8,400.
Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net
“In my opinion,” Michael Jones of Oakridge Road said, “a policing issue isn't warranted in this town for juvenile delinquency. That figure would amount to $20,000 per incident if Ed (Wagner) was correct and there are six incidents per year.”
“I oppose hiring a police officer as well,” Lucinda Renaro said.
“I concur with these two people,” Sydney Beckwith said. “I especially think we should be looking to reduce expenses.”
After 12 more residents spoke against the measure and town councilmen explained their thoughts in providing the community policing, the proposed budget was amended to remove the $115,000 figure and
add $25,000 for the same type of sheriff's protection the town had in the past - a volunteer with wages deducted from the $25,000 appropriated. The vote to amend was 3-2, with Alberici and Klink voting no and the vote to pass the preliminary budget as amended was the same.
Budget totals, after the amendments, amounted to $2,046,674. The town's tax levy of 7 cents per thousand assessed valuation, or $70 in taxes on a $100,000 house, remained the same as in 2008.
The town also heard a project description for Sewer District No. 1 improvements on Havens Avenue, Melrose Road and Archie Street. The capital cost of the proposed project will be shared among all properties within that sewer district, amounting to $1,569,000 financed over a 20-year period at 6 percent interest. The estimated annual debt service of $136,793 would be shared by 969 units in that district, or $141 per unit (single-family home) as the estimated first year annual user cost beginning in 2010. There is a possibility that the loan can be made through a special program at lower interest rates.
The board unanimously declared a Type II environmental action on Havens Avenue in compliance with DEC regulations. It also unanimously resolved to approve the bond resolution authorizing the issuance of $1,569,000 in serial bonds to finance the cost of improvement for Sewer District No. 1 and unanimously agreed to pay an additional fee for engineering services of Barton & Loguidice.
A resolution to renew the cable television franchise held by Time Warner Cable LLE from November 2008 through Nov. 2013 was unanimously passed with the proviso that the town lawyer approve. Some questions were raised about whether this contract would prevent another company such as Verizon FIOS from also operating in Owasco within that time period.
Local Law No. 4 of 2008 regarding the use of the recycling center was also unanimously passed. The law states that the use of the recycling center is limited to Owasco town residents and Owasco property owners only. No other persons, including private contractors hired by Owasco residents or property owners may use the recycling center.
But the Director of Public Works and/or refuse and garbage manager, in his sole discretion, may grant permission to an individual or contractor hired by an Owasco resident or Owasco property owner to use the recycling center for a specific purpose and limited period of time, subject to town regulations. In addition, Cayuga County residents may dispose of refuse and recyclable items only subject to the laws of the town.
The town also voted on a local government efficiency grant program and an agreement with Costich Engineering to survey the proposed Owasco Sewer District No. 1 improvements on Havens Avenue/Melrose Road area at a cost of $8,400.
Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net
