TOWN OF WATERTOWN
SPECIAL MEETING
BUDGET REVIEW
OCTOBER 22, 2015
TOWN BOARD MEMBERS
JOEL R. BARTLETT, SUPERVISOR – STEPHEN L. RICH, COUNCILMAN – PAUL V. DESORMO, COUNCILMAN – DAVID D. PROSSER, COUNCILMAN, TIMOTHY MCATEE, COUNCILMAN
Supervisor Bartlett called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call of members present. All members were present except for Councilman Rich who was absent. Legal Counsel Joseph W. Russell was not present.
MOTION # 108
Supervisor Bartlett moved to accept the minutes of the October 1, 2015 Regular Meeting. Councilman Desormo, seconded.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett informed everyone that this meeting was called as a work session for town board members. A public hearing on the budget would be held November 5, 2015 at 7:00 PM.
Supervisor Bartlett opened the floor for anyone wishing to address the Town Board.
Mr. Ralph Green spoke about a tree on his property that was cut down by the highway department. He went on to say that better communication would be beneficial in the future. He also talked about the fire department and how good it was doing, and that it was one of the best in the county.
Mr. David Roof, president of the Watertown Ambulance Squad spoke about the ambulance service. He went on to say that the proposed budget is not as bad as he anticipated. He introduced Trevor Perry the new Director of Operations for the ambulance service. Mr. Perry spoke about the deficit the ambulance squad is experiencing. They both requested that the board not cut the budget for 2016.
Supervisor Bartlett stated that at this point and after their presentation he was willing to put the $10,000.00 back in the proposed budget for 2016 making a total of $150,000.00 as opposed to $140,000.00 that was presented. All other board members agreed.
Supervisor Bartlett reviewed the budget as did the other councilmen. Changes and additions were made and several questions were asked and answered.
Councilman Prosser and Councilman McAtee asked the status of the water tower that was supposed to come down. Supervisor Bartlett said that it should be coming down soon.
Councilman Prosser asked about the sales tax revenue. Supervisor Bartlett said that he allowed for a shortfall in the sales tax revenue that was proposed, so he didn’t expect that there would be any problem..
MOTION # 109
Supervisor Bartlett made a motion that the Proposed Budget for 2016 now becomes a Preliminary Budget for 2016. It will be presented at the public hearing scheduled for November 5, 2015 at the Town of Watertown Municipal Building, 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, New York.
Notice is hereby given a public hearing on November 5, at 7:00 PM, detailing estimates of revenues and expenditures for the Town of Watertown General Fund, Highway Fund, Water Districts #1,3,4,5, and 6 and Sewer Districts 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 will also be held for the purpose of the preliminary budget for the fiscal year 2016. All persons for or against will have an opportunity to speak.
Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION # 110
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 PM. Councilman Desormo seconded.
Ayes All
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Catherine M. Rich, Town Clerk