Public Hearings On Proposed 2013 Town Budget And Tax Cap Override

The Clarkstown Town Board scheduled two public hearings for tonight’s workshop on overriding the two percent state property tax cap and proposed 2013 budget of  $137,301,805. The proposed spending plan increases tax by 6.2 percent and Town Supervisor Alex Gromack and other officials blamed three percent of that increase on the county, which has shifted costs to the town.  

The 2013 budget reflects increases in pension costs for CSEA members and higher health care costs as well as a decline in mortgage tax revenues. Residents and business owners already paid an additional one percent surcharge on their school taxes this year to offset transferred county expenses.  

The board is expected to authorize bids for the following items and projects:

• High definition use of force marksmanship training simulator
• Phase Three A of the South Main Street Downtown Revitalization
• Fireworks display

The board will vote on authorizing the comptroller to amend the 2012 budget and transfer unused balances among different accounts.

The board will consider approving the installation of four fire hydrants:

• At the intersection of Vermont Avenue & Colton Street
• On Massachusetts Ave, north of Butler Street
• 262 feet south of the intersection of Colton Street and Massachusetts Ave
• 360 feet south of Intersection of Lenox Ave and Lake Road.

Dates will be set for two future public hearings, one focusing on Nanuet and the other on Neighborhood Shopping District zoning. On Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m., there will be a public hearing to consider approving the final map with boundary lines for the Nanuet Fire District. The subject of the second hearing to be held on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. is a proposed local law to amend zoning to allow “Neighborhood Shopping” districts in Clarkstown. 

Councilmembers will determine the 2013 Town Board Workshop and Town Board Meeting schedule.