Mayor's MessageI hope everyone has had a chance to take a look at the new street lights on Jericho Turnpike. They are just great. Thanks to Kay Payne and the JBBD for their hard work in obtaining the State grant for them.
As you know, we had several severe snowstorms recently. We managed to come through them with the help of an outside vendor who does the plowing for the village. Let's hope that the brunt of winter is over and that March lives up to the proverb ''¦.. and goes out like a lamb.'?
I have been preparing the budget and it looks like there will be an increase in the village tax this year. The increase is expected to be approximately 6%. Such an increase equals an average of about $120 per year per home, or $10 per month per home. The increase is due to increases in services such as sanitation, costs of police, maintaining our buildings, etc. Our neighboring villages are looking at similar increases. Speaking of our buildings, our firehouse is in need of several major repairs. We are exploring the cost of those repairs. In addition, we are also looking at making the firehouse larger by adding an extension to it on the southeast side of the present building. The condition and size of the current building is inadequate for the apparatus used in today's firefighting. Also, there are necessary equipment needs which have to be fulfilled as a result of 9/11. We will keep you posted on this situation; however, the work will most likely have to be done and although we will seek as much federal and state funding as we can, we will need to borrow money for the work.
The village elections take place on Tuesday, March 16 from noon to 9:00 p.m. at the Village Hall. The two individuals running for re-election are Carl Soller and Tom Ryan. Carl and Tom have volunteered their time and talent for the good of our village. They have worked hard. Although, they are running uncontested, it would be great if you would come down and vote for them anyway as a sign of showing your support and appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
Several residents are assisting Trustee Ron De Souza on a master plan for the village. The plan, which will take some time to complete, will include considering the installation of belgian block curbing, hiring a landscape architect, the refurbishment of the islands and circles, a tree plan and the renovation of all village buildings. We will keep you posted on this committee's progress.
As always, thank you for your cooperation.
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