The Niskayuna Town Board adopted the annual town budget for 2009, which includes a 5.5 percent tax increase, in a vote of 3-to-2 vote with the reorganization of the town’s recreation department a major topic of discussion.
Councilwoman Julie McDonnell, chairwoman of the education and recreation committee, thanked parents and representatives of the youth sports clubs who have come to budget meetings to speak in support of the changes that have been made to the recreation department.
The public should know that there is no increase in the number of positions resulting from the reorganization, said McDonnell. `Two positions at the recreation department would be abolished: the director of recreation who earns about $65,000, and the secretary, who earns about $40,000. These two positions would be replaced by two newly titled positions: community programs coordinator, at a salary of $45,000, and parks and facilities coordinator, also at a salary of $45,000.`
McDonnell said the reorganization saves the town $15,000. She said the employee who is currently the secretary in the recreation department will be transferred to a vacant secretary position in the Public Works Department.
Town Supervisor Joe Landry said when the director of recreation position is eliminated, Kathleen Gansfuss, who currently fills that post, can apply for another position within the department.
Overall, Landry said, he was pleased with the budget.
`I believe that the budget that is before the board tonight delivers better services to the residents of Niskayuna, while keeping costs down for our taxpayers,` Landry said before the vote.
`This budget reflects specific priorities ` the importance of public safety and emergency services, maintaining our town’s infrastructure, the advancement of senior, adult and youth programs, and assisting residents through our yard waste and leaf pickup and plowing services. The services our residents have come to expect will continue to be provided without additional fees, limits, or other restrictions.`
Landry said that the budget anticipates rising materials costs, such as fuel, salt and paving materials, as well as contractual services that will result in additional expenses to the town.
Councilwomen Diane O’Donnell and Maria Freund voted against the budget, asking for more money for maintenance and improvements to the town’s infrastructure.
`I believe we need to be realistic about projecting revenues and we need to hold the line whenever we can about expenditures,` said O’Donnell, adding, `At this time, I do not support the creation of any new positions in any department.
Councilwoman Liz Orzel Kasper said she was confused about the reasoning behind their vote.
`I’m sitting here totally confused. The public wants lower taxes, and I have two council people who want higher taxes for improvements for highway and water and sewer,` said Kasper. `I’m confused that they’re voting against a 5 percent budget increase because of recreation that we’ve been told doesn’t cost money, yet they think it’s too expensive. That is so confusing to me.`
Landry said he believes the budget balances the need to provide the best possible services to Niskayuna’s residents, while recognizing the fiscal situation that the town and all of the residents are facing.
`It is never easy to vote for a tax increase,` said Landry.
`As I try to balance these competing interests, I believe that the budget before us tonight does just that. I believe that it is important to put this tax increase into perspective. A homeowner who owns a home today that costs approximately $300,000, will pay approximately $640 for town taxes, and assuming no other changes, this homeowner would notice less than a $20 tax increase from this year to last year.`.
The next Niskayuna Town Board Meeting will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.“
