Town Board Votes to Increase Budget by 8%

Despite attempts by the Supervisor to hold the budget increase at or below 6%, the Board in a split vote, approved a budget with an 8% increase. The vote was along party lines with Densieski, Blass and Dunleavy (Republicans) voting for the budget and Democrats, Supervisor Cardinale and Councilman Bartunek voting against. The new budget includes the much discussed raises as well as approval for nine (9) new hires in the Town government. Cardinale and Bartunek have both announced that they will not accept the raises.

Board members who favored the increases have never justified the raises by showing increased revenues or cuts in spending which would offset the salary proposals. Statements were usually limited to "this has become a full time job with a part time salary". We haven't seen the actual budget as yet but we understand that it is approximately $500,000 above Cardinale's suggested budget figure.

Is there anyone out there who speaks for the people? Just asking!