2003-04-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Special meeting to adopt proposed 2003 - 2004 Village budget was held on Monday April 28, 2003 at 7: P.M. in the American Legion Hall. Present: Mayor Lawrence, Deputy Mayor Juliano, Tr. Weitlich, Tr. Consentino, Tr. Hilderbrand, Tr. Enson and Tr. Schinella. The Mayor opened the budget discussion by stating the that the budget would be 5.5% over the previous year. The Mayor also said that the Board, as a team, spent many hours in reviewing department budget submissions and met with each department head for further review. The initial tentative budget called for a 44% increase over the previous year and to bring that down to 5.5% took a great deal of skill and understanding by all involved. The mayor also said that the budget reflected a 3% salary increase to entitled Village employees. The Mayor opened the budget discussion to the less than ten people present. Ms. Kathy Tallman Executive Director of the "Association of Senior Citizens" said that she was disappointed that the budget reflected $3500.00 of the $7500.00 requested. Deputy Mayor Juliano said it was fortunate that the budget reflected $3500.00 given the constraints placed on the Village this year, such as, a significant increase in insurance at all levels, fuel cost, highway repair and general cost over all. Ms. Tallman said they may have to close the Senior Room at Zion because of the shortfall in this years request. Ms. Tallman also said the difference between this years request and last years request was driven by the fact that United Way discontinued support last year. Again, Deputy Mayor Juliano said he would help, if possible, as a member of the Businessmen's Association in assisting donations. The Mayor asked if there were any other questions relative to the 2003 - 2004 budget. Since there were no other concerns Trustee Weitlich moved to adopt the 2003 - 2004 budget as presented, seconded by Deputy Mayor Juliano. Roll call vote: Mayor Lawrence (aye), Deputy Mayor Juliano (aye), Tr. Consentino (aye), Tr. Weitlich (aye), Tr. Enson (aye), Tr. Hilderbrand (aye) and Tr. Schinella (aye). Motion was unanimously carried. Ms. Eileen Sassmann Grants Laison presented the Board with data relative to the "Justice Court Assistance Grant Program". Ms. Sassmann explained that the Village of Wappingers Falls respectfully requested $15833.00 through the "Justice Court Assistance Grant Program" for the purchase of a walk through metal detector, computer networking software, tape recorder and microphone, copier and fax machine for the Justice Court. Some discussion followed and overall it was decided that if it were granted it would improve service delivery to all residents. Attached find the Resolution for the Justice Grant. Motion by Tr. Weitlich to accept the resolution seconded by tr. Consentino. Carried.