Board of Ed in Budget Talks

The Riverhead School Board has been conducting a series of meetings aimed at finalizing or at least making an initial proposal regarding the annual school budget.  The Board has been required to abide by the State mandated 2% cap increase for all budgets and expenditures.

The school district recently issued termination notices to 12 teachers and 9 assistants in an attempt to reduce the budget by some $3 million dollars.  The $78 million dollar bond issued and approved by residents last year is not subject to the 2% cap.  The proposed $70,000 repairs to school kitchen facilities is also not affected by the cap as the money will come from a reserve fund that was previously approved by residents..

Town Works on EPCAL Commission

The town has been conferring with legislative representatives in Albany with the intention of establishing a commission which would fast track permits for EPCAL.  The proposal, in early development, would draw upon the Town Board, interested residents and civic associations to establish the commission membership which would need approval of the state.

Without the authority of a commission the EPCAL site would have little validity in obtaining loans or grants from the state.  Proponents cite the example of a need for sewer funds which would be difficult to obtain in any manner except through a sanctioned authority.