Ballston Spa is facing some tough choices following the announcement that the $90,000 the village expected to receive in member item funds from State Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, will not be awarded. The money was going to be used to repair or replace the roofs of the Union Fire House, the Eagle Matlee Fire House, the police station and the village garage.
Gov. Eliot Spitzer told the village that the funding is now unavailable and the village is going to have to use some of the county’s surplus money to cover its loss.
This places some tough choices in the board’s hands.
At this time, the board has a difficult decision to make, said Mayor John Romano at the Monday, Oct. 22, village board meeting. `Do we go forth with the roof project, or delay projects until grants are officially awarded?`
The board unanimously decided to delay the project until further funds are received.
`It’s a shame that this happened,` said board member Dick Duffy.
Bob Cavanaugh echoed the frustration of his fellow board members.
`[We’re] trying to get the needs of the village met ` it’s unfortunate that we can’t get it done because of some [foolish] political stuff,` said Cavinaugh.
Board member Donna Thomas suggested `the municipality send letters to the governor’s office and we all sign it. [It’s] a matter of formal displeasure ` give a copy to the newspapers and show our dissatisfaction.`
The board also discussed the Falling Leaves Festival, which will be held in the village on Saturday, Oct. 27. It is the first time the even will be held.
The festivities kick off at 3:30 p.m. with a costume parade starting in Wiswall Park and making its way through the village, ending at Kelley Park.
At the park there will be a number of family activities as well as food. Activities include face painting, a bonfire and karaoke. A poster contest will also be held for all fifth-grade students from around the area. More information about the festival is available online at www.ballston.org.
`In many ways, it mirrors the things we’ve done in the past,` said Romano, adding that he hopes it becomes a town tradition.“