On April 13, 2016 the East Greenbush Town Board will hold a public
hearing on the proposed sewer user rate increase at 7:00 p.m. in Town
Hall. Comprehensive information on the proposed rate increase is
available on the Town’s website, www.eastgreenbush.org. We hope residents will come to the hearing and share their views.
The rate increase follows a
series of irresponsible Town Board decisions made by several
administrations. In 2008 the Town entered into a service agreement with
the Rensselaer County Water and Sewer Authority (RCWSA) to borrow $6.55
million for sewers at 5.1% interest requiring an annual debt service
payment of $400,000/year until 2048. Efforts to refinance that debt are
failing because the Town doesn’t have adequate documentation of how the
money was used. In 2013 we undertook a $15.6 million upgrade to our
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). After closing on long term financing
in August 2016, the town will owe another $700,000/year for 30 years. No arrangements were made to pay these bills. The sewer user rates haven’t been increased since 2011 even though we knew the WWTP bill would come due this year.
The approval and lack of
oversight for the RCWSA service agreement, and the inaction of previous
Town Board members to adequately address the WWTP financing has led to
the unavoidable and unpleasant necessity to increase revenue. It has
been suggested that we should generate the revenue solely from the tax
levy, which would result in an 8% tax increase in the 2017 budget, a
cost that would also be borne by non-users of the sewer system. An 8%
tax increase would depress property values and further discourage
commercial investment in our Town. We ask that you review the proposed
increases, and note that the General District, which serves more than
half the residents in Town, will still have rates that are among the
lowest in the Capital District after the increase has been implemented.
We have to stop the profligate
spending habits and irresponsible fiscal planning of the past. Come to
the public hearing and share your views with us.
Thanks Jack. We apreciate the good works you, Tina and Tom have done since taking office on January 1st.
ReplyDeleteDifferent points of view are not a bad thing and they don't mean that people who disagree are against JTT. In a democracy, everyone must be heard and respected for their input. It beats staying at home in your easy chair and not participating at all.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both 1:44 and 3:36. Thanks to JTT, we are finally encouraged to have informative and civil discussions on all important town issues. How refreshing!!
ReplyDeleteBut if there needs to be an 8% tax increase then so be it! We haven't had a tax increase since 2012. What we do have is a $15.6 million, state of the art sewerage treatment plant to pay for and there is no easy, bits and pieces way around it. So, increase the user fees up to 70% in 2016 ONLY to meet the 2016 payment obligation but raise real property taxes appropriately in 2017 to what they need to be to pay the capital improvement debt. Like it or not, it's the only fiscally responsible way to do it this year and for the next 39 years.
ReplyDelete5:10pm:
ReplyDeleteThat's a very sensible plan.
Amen 3:36, I am, have been and will remain confident in Jack, Tina and Tom, and disagreeing with them does not change that. This a $$ kicking crap is getting annoying, I've met all three and they are perfectly capable of having a conversation. Life would be boring if we all agreed, and nothing we would never have new ideas and innovations if we just all agreed. So, from this pijt forward can we stop kissing up, they're already elected?!
ReplyDeletethank you Mr. Supervisor & team for the ever so obvious changes in attitude, worth ethic, civility to the residents, etc.. it certainly shows.. What a breath of fresh air !
ReplyDelete8:22pm, Most of the critical responses to the Rick Matters advertisement have little to do with JTT. They mostly have to do with the concept of Rick Matters suddenly advocating for an 8 to 20 percent tax increase, when during his many years on the Town Board, Rick Matters refused to vote for any tax increases whatsoever. Many people question why Rick waited until he was no longer a town board member to urge the town board to vote for such a large tax increase.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I also voted for JTT and I am very glad I did.
Perhaps a hybrid plan makes sense. We certainly cannot implement a plan that will suppress housing values.
ReplyDeleteAlso, those of us with septic systems have budget line expenses associated with maintaining and cleaning out our septic tanks. I do not think it fair to double charge us by making us pick up a large financial expense for the WWTP as well.
10:25 a.m. If your home and property is located within a sewer district, you are considered to be "benefitted" by the WWTP (because it increases your property value) and you, therefore, are subject to the real property tax levy increase just like users. If you are not located in a sewer district, you would not be taxed for any aspect of the WWTP.
DeleteAny tax increase is a bitter pill to swallow, but that's why we elected JTT, to make sense out of what three or four past administrations messed up and to change the culture in town hall that benefitted friends of the party more than residents.
ReplyDeleteEvidence of this change in culture can be seen right away in Toni Murphy's office. Toni recently put an article in the advertiser noting she would be closing the office early, at 3:00 due to a decrease in her office budget for a part time person. What the Town Board did here is put an end to the abuse of that office. Toni was known to be taking two hour lunch breaks and the demands of the office not requiring a part time person.
For any elected office, it's reasonable to expect the official to work an 8 hour day. Toni shouldn't be making the office hours shorter, she should be making them more convenient for residents. Take a half hour lunch every day like every one else, close the office at 3:00 every day and open the office on Saturdays for five hours so residents can have time to pay their bills in person.
It's important to not be critical of decisions that have to be made because the current board was left with a mess to fix. Tax increases are not welcome, but may be necessary. It's also not really a good idea to compare our tax rates to other communities. First we don't have as many homes as other communities and Two, it suggests that once the finances are under control, that the taxes will stay at that level.
How about a temporary increase to cover the mistakes of the past and then return to levels that residents can afford. In either case, it's time for elected officials to do the jobs they were elected to do and it's ok for them to do a little more, especially if they've abused the system for years. Mrs. Murphy should work a 40 hour work week or more during tax season and she should do it because she took an oath to serve the public and that's exactly what she should do. They all should!
Ms. Murphy owes us taxpayers a full work week because she took $27,000 of stipend payments for three years for longevity and sick leave. The 2012 audit plainly stated that she, as an elected official, was NOT entitled to those extra funds. So, who cares if her p/t person isn't there...SHE should be there doing her job for the people of EG who paid her hefty stipends!
DeleteI know she isn't required to, but why won't Toni Murphy work at least a seven hour day? Wouldn't that solve the office coverage problem?
ReplyDeleteBetter yet, she should resign and give Jack and the rest of the town board an opportunity to appoint a full time tax receiver.
ReplyDeleteThe Town doesn't need a Receiver of Taxes at all. The function can be handled with a drop box at a local bank like the School District does. This would make for reduced costs and much better internal controls.
ReplyDeleteI really think it is time to demand - in open forum - that the receiver of taxes construct a work week that benefits the citizens rather than her own personal schedule. What about night and Saturday morning hours? What about closing for lunch? If she only had 5 hours a week of help - well there's your lunch hour right there.
ReplyDeleteWhy not hire an outside company to take care of all the tax collection? Let them bid for the job. That way we reduce all overhead expenses and can have as many people as we want. Or we could have the county come up with a group of individuals for all the local municipalities to collect taxes.
ReplyDeleteThe reduced hours are at Supervisor Conway's direction. Argue that with him, not Toni Murphy.
ReplyDeleteThe Receiver of Taxes posts the payments to the taxpayers' accounts. The bank doesn't do this for EGCSD. EGCSD's Tax Collector office costs about $52,000 / year and it only has ONE billing cycle.
Toni collects not only taxes but water and sewer fees.
So quit griping!
3:10 p.m.
DeleteThe reduced hours are at Supervisor Conway's direction? How do you figure that? She's an elected official, so he has no authority to dictate her hours. She dictates her own hours. Isn't it true that he just wants her there, on duty, when HER office is open, not covered by her part/timers so she can take off early? He doesn't leave early, so why should she? After all, she can't be the Receiver of Taxes if she's not there to receive!
It's important to note that elected officials receive a set annual salary whether they are there or not. If the Rcvr. of Taxes office closes at 3:00 each day but town hall closes at 4:30, then that's a whole day a week that the office isn't open or a 20% reduction in service to the taxpayers. If it were me, I would feel guilty taking full-time pay for part-time work.
DeleteA workload analysis might be appropriate, and some work done on what might be computerized and automated. There are some questions floating around about internal controls and separation of duties.
ReplyDeleteInternal controls. What a joke. There are none! The CFAC was supposed to be working on them but when the Chair of the CFAC resigned, the committee went inactive. They haven't met since.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you can blame the CFAC for that one. Internal controls start at the top with the Supervisor and other heads of departments. Internal controls should have been in place long before the CFAC was ever formed.
DeleteInstead of everone speculating and slamming Toni or Jack, why not simply ask? Something tells me Toni Murphy didn't just walk in amd tell Jack she's closing shop early. Jack has been very open, and agree or disagree he'll answer. He even answers to questions on facebook.
ReplyDeleteIn retrospect, the McCabe operation needs some examination on a number of levels. It was a seriously engaged patronage operation. Health insurance benefits to the Chair of the Planning Board should be a key indicator.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to recognize that the inaction by previous "town board members," as outlined by Supervisor Conway includes both former town board member, Rick Matters and current town board member, Mary Ann Matters.
ReplyDeleteRemember, your vote, Matters!
10:28 a.m. Face it, the old days, at least for the next four years but hopefully well beyond, of good 'ol boy abuse and corruption are over. You really need to accept it and move on.
DeleteUnfortunately, Rick Matters sat silently for most of the time during much of the "old days."
ReplyDeletesomebody explain this 8 percent increase to me. it sound like we are talking about an across the board increase to all tax payers. I'm no expert but my understanding is you can only tax the people in the water and sewer district for the cost of those operations.
ReplyDelete4:32 PM. Let Rick Matters explain it, he's the one who wants to increase taxes for all.
ReplyDeleteSome comments published on this thread cause a bit of confusion and, quite frankly, misrepresent some of what Rick Matters has addressed both in the past and present.
ReplyDeleteTo those that believe Rick Matters sat silent in the "old days" (notice NOT GOOD old days, just old days), Rick was the MINORITY. As minority he had very little input. When one is in the minority, rarely can he/she get their proposed legislation approved by the majority thus the reason it is difficult to buck the system as a minority member of any legislative body. When Rick Matters was a board member he did NOT approve proposed property tax increases and while we still were hit with tax increases (property tax increases) the records show Rick Matters did not vote in favor of the property tax increases. He had an option of zero based budgeting. Rick Matters has been on the side of good government and his voting record indicates that. Rick may sit silent but that does not mean he is unaware; quite the contrary. Rick is always thinking and mindful of what is going on in this Town and I applaud and thank Rick for his continued interest as well as his willingness to continue to share his knowledge, experience and thoughts with the Town, via The Advertiser.
Jack Conway does always state he is open to ideas and suggestions. as a taxpayer I appreciate that and look forward to that breath of fresh air for the next 4 years. Jack's acceptance of others' suggestions from experience should be viewed as a positive and, in turn, should mean there is an open mind to Rick Matters' suggestions and experience. Again, as a taxpayer I appreciate that and I appreciate Jack's proclamations of "to stop the profligate spending habits and irresponsible fiscal planning of the past" and "Come to the public hearing and share your views with us". Rick Matters certainly was not in the habit of spending our money and Jack is encouraging public input. It seems Jack is willing to work with anyone from the public who has experience and knowledge and Rick is willing to share his experience and knowledge. Sounds rather like a "WIN WIN" for us as taxpayers.
This town is a mess, we all know it and it's the reason we voted for Jack, Tom and Tina. What does it hurt if knowledgeable, experienced citizens are willing to share their thoughts? The answer is--it hurts nobody.
We have been getting "hosed" for over a decade. Jack and Co. are trying to fix that and if they are willing to fix it they would likely want to hear all options available. Rick has an option and addresses it The Advertiser. Chances are we are going to be hosed again but if someone has an option of hosing us LESS than others...doesn't hurt to hear and consider it.
Yes, it is a "win, win" that Jack has a listen and learn administration and Rick (or anyone else) is willing to speak up and share differing viewpoints. The problem comes in your last sentenence "chances are we will get hosed again". Why would anyone think if a differing opinion does not prevail that no consideration of that opinion was given or that the citizens are "hosed" (whatever that is). Rick was given the floor last night, was listened to with respect and afforded ample time to state his case. Who could ask for anything more?
DeleteAs for your opinion that people serving in the minority have no role as the loyal opposition, I strogly disagree. As you can see by observing the Conway administration, when good government operational, the two minority members are repeatedly invited to excerise their responsibilities as our representatives. I will say that Rick Matters served in less than ideal circumstances, but I will never agree that minority members serving with difficult majority parties are somehow relieved of their responsibilities. For an example of a representative who fought the good fight in the face of a flawed majority look to Phil Malone in his final two years of service.
While I agree that minority members can exercise their responsibilities, and Rick Matters as a minority member always did, in my humble opinion, it does not negate the fact that they are minorities and therefore their votes cannot pass legislation without the help of the majority. That's a fact. JTT can listen to MAM and DM all day long but if MAM and DM don't vote with JTT then the minorities can't get their resolutions approved. It takes 3 out of 5 and if the majority holds tight and votes together, any dissenting votes by the minority won't accomplish anything.
ReplyDeleteI agree JTT and their majority is working with the minority in a way that was not successful in the past but, if JTT hold together for an issue, JTT will either pass their own legislation or vote down the minority's legislation. Do not misunderstand--it is not an insult to JTT or the minority. It is a simple fact (there is a reason for the saying "The majority rules") and JTT is simply an example. It doesn't matter who the majority is--Phil "fought the good fight", while I am not quite sure what that means, Phil could not have gotten anything through without a majority member's help with his minority resolutions which still means--the majority was the necessary vote.
"Hosed", in this particular reference, is slang for in trouble (http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/hosed). The point was EG taxpayers will likely see increases across the board since the EG residents were lied to by the previous administration regarding the WWTP. For some of us that voted for JTT, we were well aware taxes may be increased and the water, while we were not fully aware of that issue, we can't blame JTT for the WWTP mess they inherited and now must clean-up. That includes an increase as well. Hence, EG taxpayers will see increases across the board, it would be preferable to have a lesser increase rather than a greater increase; i.e.-the lesser of two evils.
We ARE getting hosed because of the previous administration's screw-up and then lying to us about costs of the WWTP. Hosed is the perfect word. JTT is working to now play catch up because the previous administration didn't do a full disclosure to the EG people. We're getting hosed alright, and big time. I prefer to be hosed with less water rather than a full stream at full blast.
ReplyDelete