Wednesday, June 1, 2011

$40,000 rec facility sign an extravagance SDN 6/1/2011

Last weeks paper covered Fishkill's new Senior Center $40,000 electronic sign. As quoted by Supervisor Pagones. The sign will be paid for by the Parklands Trust Fund. Last year at Novembers Budget Meeting. I asked the Comptroller how much money was left in the fund. The Comptroller responded that there was between 18-24 months left in the fund. Also quoted by Pagones, the fund is replenished by developer fees. Since we all know that development is nearly at a standstill. Is it wise for Pagones to spend $40,000 on a sign? Should we not use that money to pay off the center first? Or how about fixing the leaking roof on the $3.6 million facility? What happens when the money dries up after this years Election Day? Does the debt come out of the General Fund or does Pagones continue to borrow money. Like she did to balance this years budget by borrowing $1.8 million to avoid a 45% tax increase.

While employees and citizens continue to suffer through record tax increases and givebacks in the last 3 years. Pagones continues to spend money like a sailor on leave with a unlimited credit card. You would think that Pagones who has us in record debt would be more frugal with what little resources we have. But alas, there is also a leaking roof at Town Hall. Look at it as you drive by on Rt.52. Multiple shingles have been missing for over a year. When will Pagones act? When the plywood and frame are so rotted out that the cost will be $40,000 instead of a couple of hundred bucks for simple maintenance?

Finally, I would like to say thank you to President Obama. Who amended a Presidential disaster declaration to allow Fishkill to recover $40,000 during the storms. (We all know we need the money) I would also like to commend the President for directing the operation that eliminated bin Laden.

Ozzy Albra
Fishkill

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