TOWN OF SMITHTOWN
Work Session
10/07/08

The working session of the Town Board included several different issues of interest. Importantly, the budget was briefly brought up by Councilwoman Biancaniello who had some questions. Rather than discuss any issues during this working session which would give the public insight into the thinking of members of the board and the issues in question, it was put side to be discussed again outside of the publics' view. The budget itself will be presented on October 30th and then voted upon. What impact can the public have under such a process? The budget itself has been questioned by two of our local newspaper editors who find fault with the fact that the Supervisor ( the chief architect of the obscure Smithtown budget ) is asking to purchase bonds and increase taxes despite the soundness of the Town's finances and no new projects or programs. While we have a 28 million dollar surplus, something over 6 million is being set aside to off set expected lower mortgage tax income to the Town, not applying it to new projects or programs. In light of this, the Supervisor's intent is to raise the Town taxes and bond more than 1 million dollars. Why??? Will he wait to have more and then next year when he runs for office he can say that he is saving us money? This is the year that everyone can feel the pressure of the economy and would benefit from a zero budget increase, or even a reduction with so much in reserve. No amount of money in reserve ( as the Supervisor claims benefits the taxpayer ) in this financial climate will save the taxpayers money if there is a need to purchase bonds. We do not need to borrow, if we have so much money in hand.
Check out the Hess gas station issue and the 24/7 hours that residents have petitioned the Town to change.