Priority One—Fiscal Responsibility

August 24th, 2009

Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat Fiscal Responsibility should be local government’s prime concern. This year more than other’s it is even more important as the economy lingers in a recession. Town officials should consider a timely budget so residents can make informed decisions this November.The following report depicts the fiscal activities of the Town of Ulster’s current administration. 

Town of Ulster Financials 2007-Present 

Fiscal 2007:

Forecasted Budget: $5,619,902.00

Actual Expenditures: $6,201,233.00/ Over Budget ($581,331.00)

This budget was approved by outgoing Supervisor Wadnola

Supervisor: Nick Woerner

Town Board members: Rocky Secreto, Craig Artist, Joel Brink & Dave Brink 

• Fiscal 2008:
  

Forecasted Budget: $5,973,433.00 

Actual Expenditures: $6,675,732.00/ Over Budget ($702,299.00) 

Supervisor: Nick Woerner

Town Board Members: Rocky Secreto, Joel Brink, Dave Brink & Craig Artist 

• Fiscal 2009:
  

Forecasted Budget:$6,196,660.00 

Actual Expenditures: $7,057,361.00/ Over Budget ($860,701.00) 

Supervisor: Nick Woerner

Town Board Members: Rocky Secreto, Joel Brink, Dave Brink & Eric Kitchen 

• Fiscal 2010: Yet to be submitted.
  

Supervisor: Nick Woerner

Town Board Members: Rocky Secreto, Joel Brink, Dave Brink & Eric Kitchen. 

Although the budget for 2009 has not been presented to date, it is expected to have risen approximately 10% and an anticipated property tax increase of upwards of 20%. The factors yet to be considered are last years budget overrun and the drop in the Towns portion of County Sales Tax revenue and Town Mortgage tax revenue, both considerable amounts. 

A further fact to be considered before election-day is the financial profile of the Town:

January 2006 Fund Balance $1,289,337 

December 2008 Fund Balance $14,825.00/ Expenditures: $1,714,502.00 

The town floated a BOND for $1.4 million, ($225,000 was for legal fees), in May 2009 and is considering another Bond for the completion of the Senior Recreation Center.

This would make raising funds for emergencies more difficult, and strain the Town’s credit rating in an already stressed economy. 

The US economy has been in a downward spiral since mid year 2008. Nationally, economists and leaders of the current administration have determined that this is possibly the worst recession since the late 1970’s-early 80’s. Local economic forecasts are no better. These trends should be considered while deciding on projects and budget overages in such dire economic times.

As residents of the Town of Ulster are being pressed harder and harder to meet their own budgets, Town Officials should be no less responsible. 

Expenses for energy and taxes are on the rise, the potential for inflation becomes more and more inevitable as these factors filter thru the economy. We urge local officials to consider these facts as the budget for 2010 is prepared. 

Budgets are by no means written in stone, however when an administration presents a comprehensive spending plan, the residents should be able to rely that the administration will do it’s best to adhere to it.

Senior Recreation Center

August 19^th 2009

With all the noise lately about the Senior Center, it’s location and expected use, this weeks Town Board Meeting should prove very interesting.

Questions raised so far surround some very important issues.

• Have alternatives have been proposed & evaluated?
• How much of the cost will be absorbed by the taxpayers?
• Is it to be located in the ‘Flood Plain‘?
• Beyond the cost of the structure itself, how will it be outfitted, ie: furnishings, entertainment and recreation units?
• What are the expected costs for Heating, Air conditioning and general maintenance?
• How many people is this expenditure expected to benefit?

From previous disclosures, the original Government Grant is $300,000.00, From what we can see the expected cost is $600,000.00, (not including overruns, remember the UC Jail). A pretty hefty investment in tough economic times.

We at Ulster is Your Town Too believe our seniors deserve some recognition and respect. We wonder, however, if this project might not be overkill. We understand that time is running out for utilizing the Government Grant, we are not sure though if spending an additional $300,000.00 in this economy is justified.

Is this the best way to afford our seniors with a place to gather and recreate?

Of the issues bulleted, an important question yet unanswered is the location. It has been suggested that the development site is smack dab in the middle of a Flood plain. Our Supervisor was incapable of addressing this serious issue at previous Town Board meetings. We all know how residents have suffered in recent years with flood damage, and the cost of insurance, if it is available at all. Will this be one more edifice left to ruin because we rushed in with eyes closed?

We feel this issue must be addressed before any commitment to development is initiated.

In addressing the question of overkill, have any other alternatives been discussed. Might it be economically responsible to rent a location, after all commercial vacancies are at an all time high, we are confident that a facility can be secured that would serve our seniors and all residents to their satisfaction, and might not inflict any further damage to an already exhausted budget.

The key factor in this project as with all Town Projects is to be sure we get the most bang for our buck’. The Senior Recreation Center might just be the answer, all we ask is that our local representatives do their job to protect our residents:

• Investigate alternative solutions!
• Verify the facts!
• Fully disclose the projected cost!
• Disclose the expected costs to outfit and maintain the Center!

"Contractors License Law"

August 12, 2009

“Contractors Law”

Nick Woerner’s ‘Contractors License Law’, (see Town of Ulster Website townofulster.org/)
Since the public hearing of August 6th, the dust has settled regarding this proposed law, it is clear residents of the town and neighboring communities are totally against the ‘Contractors Law’. This is confirmed by the many legitimate shortfalls pointed out at the public hearing.

It should be noted this law was in fact proposed by Supervisor Woerner and drafted by Town Attorney Andy Zweban specifically for this public hearing. At the close of the August 6th hearing, Mr. Woerner stated “This law is proposed by the Town Board and comments will be taken under advisement before a decision is made”.

Let the record show that Councilman Eric Kitchen has stated, “I have not been involved in the creation of this law, nor do I support it”.

Furthermore, where was Councilman Secreto for this most important public hearing.

Questions & Concerns regarding the establishment of such legislation:

· Is this a license or a registration (this question put to Mr. Zweban was never addressed)?

· Will the Town be liable for licensed or registered contractors?

· Other than general liability & workmen’s compensation insurance, will there be ‘other qualifications’ to receive a license or be registered as a contractor?

· Who will determine whether or not an applicant is undesirable to be licensed or registered under the proposed town law?

Since this law will affect all residents, it is strongly advised that everyone review and understand the ‘Contractors License Law’ and the implications it will have on them if enacted!

“We Need a Little Less Legislation and a lot more Education!”