Two proposed local laws on November ballot
Sponsoring ‘Visioning Workshop’ on Comprehensive Plan
By Chris Rossi, Hamilton Town Council
(Town of Hamilton, NY – Oct. 31, 2013) After opening with comments from community members, the October Hamilton Town Council meeting turned its attention to roadwork being done around town. Highway superintendent Bert Glazier updated us on preparations for winter weather, both on our roads, and in the garage.
This is budget season, and Town Council has met in a series of workshops to hone what we believe to be a sustainable budget that pays for current services and includes an annual contribution to pay for future capital expenses.
The budget includes increased funding for SOMAC, local libraries, and youth recreation programs. Further discussion took place at the Budget hearing on Monday Oct. 28.
At that same meeting Town Council members answered questions about the two new local laws on the ballot this November – proposed laws converting the positions of Town Clerk/Tax Collector and Highway Superintendent to appointed (hired) positions rather than elected ones.
The Comprehensive Plan Committee has launched its survey, mailing copies to residents and property owners 18 and older in the Town of Hamilton.
In addition, the Town is sponsoring a Visioning Workshop on Thursday Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Poolville Community Center. Town residents are urged to attend. Responses from the survey and the workshop will be used to create our updated Comprehensive Plan.
For more information or to take the survey online visit – http://www.townofhamiltonny.org/comprehensive-plan-committee/
The Madison County Board of Supervisors is also working on the County budget. Supervisor Shwartz reported a possible rise of 9 percent in the tax levy, and cuts of 30 percent for all non-profits. The Town Council discussed how these cuts might impact local services, and what options are open to mitigate some of those impacts.
Shwartz urged members of the public to participate in the County budget process by attending meetings to be held in the Madison County Office Building in Wampsville on Tuesday, Nov 12 at 2 p.m. and Nov 19 at 7 p.m.
The Hamilton Town Council meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Town of Hamilton office in the Village of Hamilton at 7 p.m. Our next regular meeting is Thursday, Nov.14. We invite and encourage you to join us.
For more info visit http://www.townofhamiltonny.org/