Despite cuts, town plans expansion of senior services
Once again, state mandates are blamed for budget increases, but Niskayuna officials said they are trying to develop a budget that maintains services while controlling costs.
We had to do a lot of belt tightening and cutting, said Niskayuna Town Supervisor Joe Landry of the town’s 2011 tentative budget.
The $12,973,785 budget would raise residential taxes by 3 percent. Landry said the average home assessed at $274,100 would see a tax increase of approximately $18.50 in the coming year.
The allocated amount from the town’s fund balance is $286,800, which is an increase compared to the $273,000 that’s been allocated since Landry joined the board in 2008. Although Landry has allocated this amount since he took office, in 2008 only $74,636 was used, and in 2009 $65,200 was used. Landry said the town tries to maintain a fund balance of about $750,000 to $1 million.
`It is anticipated that we might have to use some more of that,` said Landry. `If I go through the year and save money all over the place, then you don’t have to use it. This gives me an opportunity to go through the year and try to control spending.`
Landry said the biggest challenges with the budget were state mandates and other direct costs the town had no flexibility with. Also, stagnant or decreasing revenues didn’t help the situation, he said.
`I have no choice on retirement, and that is the one that is really upsetting,` said Landry. `It is the fact that the state controller sends you a bill, and you have to pay that. I literally have no ability to negotiate that.`
Retirement costs in the town increased 32.2 percent, totaling $204,970. The town offers three different health insurance programs, said Landry, which averages out to an 11.44 increase in associated costs.
`These increases are what is really driving the budget process to date and prevents us from doing other things that we might have wanted to do or things other town boards have done in the past,` said Councilwoman Denise Murphy McGraw.
Landry said all equipment purchases were looked at in trying to find savings, along with reducing training costs. One town receptionist position has been eliminated, which carried a total cost of $25,901 in 2010. There is also one position in the highway department that has been eliminated through attrition.
`It is a tough year, and there is some tough choices,` said Councilman John McKinney. `One of the big things is trying to avoid going into debt for things that are day-to-day operations.`
McKinney said even with the sacrifices made, the town will still be able to provide the same service levels to residents.
Landry also said water and sewer fees will not increase because the drilling of four new wells has reduced the need to purchase water from other municipalities. He also noted the installation of new water meters has improved collections and resulted in more timely payments.
Landry has added funds for a new senior bus to the budget in response the residents’ requests.
`We want to encourage our older adults and seniors to stay in Niskayuna, and I’ve made this my No. 1 priority for 2011,` said Landry.
The bus will be used to take individuals to appointments, the senior center and shopping or recreation trips. Also, a part-time senior coordinator position was added to help expand programs offered to senior citizens in the town.
`Really what we have to get done to now is the horse-trading and sit down at a table with the people involved and say who gets something and who has to give something up,` said McKinney.
McKinney and McGraw said they are still digesting the budget and didn’t have any recommended changes yet.
`In a few weeks it will be a budget that has more of my input,` said McGraw. `I really do encourage residents of the town to become involved in the process.`
Landry will give a budget presentation during the Town Board agenda on Thursday, Oct. 14, which will be followed by a budget workshop. The board will also have workshops on Oct. 19 and Oct. 26. There will be a public hearing on the budget on Nov. 10 with the planned adoption date of Nov. 18.“
