Letter to the Editor: Questions Remain with Buchanan Village Budget

Dear Editor,

I attended the Village of Buchanan Budget Hearing on April 29, 2013 and I want to inform the residents of a few significant points:

1) In an attempt to reduce the 11.76 percent tax increase, the Board unanimously voted to increase “anticipated revenue” by increasing water rates. With the addition, the proposed budget was adopted. Water rates can only be increased at a regular meeting. By this vote, the Board enacted an illegal rate increase.

2) The issue of excessive payments to the Village Engineer was ignored by the Board but raised from the floor. The part-time Engineer was under contract for $45,000. In fiscal year 2011-2012, he received a 55 percent raise to $70,000 but was paid $137,902.  Mayor Murray explained that the excess of $67,902 did not cost the Village anything as it was paid for with the Engineer/Planning fees collected by the Village, however, the 2013-2014 budget shows the fees for 2011-2012 was $18,201.

3) It was reported via the proposed budget that the insurance premium involved a substantial increase yet no mention was made as to the status of a claim for destruction of a traffic device at the Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School.  The damage sustained by the Village 27 months ago is in the $150,000 range. Still no light, no payment of damages, and only an increase in premiums with that will cause an increase in the tax rate.

Sincerely,

Al Donahue

Buchanan, NY