The town of Rotterdam scheduled a special election for the creation of a new taxing district within the town during their Wednesday, April 28 regular meeting.
The special election is for the proposed Rotterdam Ambulance Service District No.1, a district that would have an annual cost of $232,527.92 to taxpayers, and is scheduled for Tuesday, June 29.
Joe VanDerwerker, president of the Board of Directors for the Rotterdam Emergency Medical Services, said the special election for the proposed ambulance district is a step in the right direction for REMS, which has worked with the IRS in February to create a payment plan for debts owed by the non-profit emergency service.
Financially, REMS is set to pay off their debts, said VanDerwerker.`I know there is a concern for taxpayers…we are going to be accountable, there will be audits to keep us in line.`
VanDerwerker said after the vote that the creation of the tax district will help to serve residents and will cost less than their annual fund drive, which asks residents to donate $25 to the not for profit service. VanDerwerker said the annual cost if the emergency district is created will range from $16 to $20 per household, depending on the assessed value of the home.
The town board passed the resolution unanimously, with town board member Niki DiLevia absent from the meeting. Town board member Gerard Parisi disclosed before the vote that he had helped REMS with their financial dealings, helping them to work with the IRS to set up a payment plan of remaining debt for the emergency service.
Town Supervisor Frank Del Gallo said the June 29 vote will be only for landowners in the town and will use the new digital voting machines Schenectady County has recently received.
The town board will meet again on Wednesday, May 5, at the Rotterdam Junction Fire Department at 7 p.m.
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