Village to Talk Budget Tuesday, Wednesday

Ashley Tarr (Editor) March 19, 2013 at 02:58 pm

The budget must be adopted by May 1, according to Hansen. Right now officials are planning for an April 17 adoption.

Ashley Tarr (Editor) March 20, 2013 at 08:29 pm

The budget has not been posted on the website yet, but at the start of last night's meeting, the tentative document listed these projected numbers: tax assessment of $142,631,471 (a -5.3 percent change from 2012/2013), an unexpended fund balance of $120,542 (9.7 percent change), total expenditures of $1,441,526 (-14.9 percent change) and $622,884 (2.18 percent change) as total raised by taxes.
The board reviewed the preliminary budget and discussed future public works projects (pump house renovations, new water meters and more) and salaries. They decided to add money—for a total of $50,000—for an urban renewal plan. Mayor Jim Schoenig said if they didn't move forward, previous efforts (the blight study, the contract with Pattern for Progress, etc.) were "useless." Other trustees agreed, and discussed applying for grants that could help with costs. The work session continues tonight (same time, same place). Do you plan to attend? Why or why not?

Erin E. Meagher March 21, 2013 at 06:17 am

Schoenig brings up a great issue You have to spend money to make money. The Blight Study was a good start, so was the Garden Street Report, but it will be for nought if there is no effort to improve, and that starts with investing. You have to spend money to make money. State and Federal funding is drying up. Where is the Greg Ball grant for the Old Town Hall? Exactly.
Do not count on grants. The only thing that can be counted on is the Village being there. They're incorporated and everything! Applying for grants is not the magical piggy bank. The Village should be spending the money to get something back. The same is true for people who have a vested interest in Brewster. You want lower water rates? Promote development in Brewster. You want a nicer Brewster to your liking? Invest in Brewster, make it what you want it to be. There are many properties for sale or rent, one could change the whole look of the Village in a few swoops. It's a matter of the stakeholders allowing it to happen; the owners/real estate reps, the residents and the VOB government. People cry out for change and cleaning up the Village, well get out your checkbook, or get involved and do it!