Riverhead Budget Deficit Through the Roof

The Riverhead budget deficit is now $1.1 million dollars more than last years $2.6 million dollar deficit.

Supervisor Sean Walter believes that the town is in a worse position than a year ago although he said that it was what he expected.

Huge spending problems include a $450,000 debt service for the landfill and an increase of $500,000 for health care.  Pension cost are expected to rise by 13%.

Walter's conclusion is that the state 2% cap is "unsustainable".  So look for more taxes.  How about cutting talk about a downtown skating rink unless some private firm wants to pay?  How about the "untouchable"?  Negotiate increased health and pension contributions by town employees. The school district saw the light and stayed under the cap and it was approved by the public.

Stats for Concern

United States Deficit:  $16 trillion dollars (greatest in U.S. history)

Unemployed Americans: 23 million adults

Americans on food stamps: 46.7 million