May 3, 2012 Fishkill Town Board meeting

At the May 3, 2012 Fishkill Town Board meeting. The Beacon City School District made a budget presentation. The school board stated. That it has stayed within the new tax cap limit, while maintaining it’s Fund Balance. Under the tough economic environment, the board should be commended for staying within the cap and preserving the Fund Balance. I will be voting yes for the budget and urge my fellow school district voters to do the same. Later in the meeting. Fishkill’s county legislator gave a update on the county finances. I wish I could say the news was good. Dutchess County is facing a $40 million deficit, with a Fund Balance of 1.5. In comparison, this years budget was balanced with a 6% tax rate increase, nearly 50 job losses and $24 million used from the Fund Balance. If 2012 resulted in a 6% tax increase, one can only imagine what 2013 will look like, as there is nearly no Fund Balance left and a $40 million deficit. It’s going to be brutal. In the past, tax increases were softened. As President Obama passed the Stimulus. Those funds are now gone and there is no desire from the public for another one. Now the burden of higher taxes have trickled down to the local level. Other news made that day. Was a decrease of property values for Wal-Mart by over $2 million. Which will be offset by more tax increases at the local level. There is also a on going issue regarding the police department and supervisory ranks. To date there has been no resignation resolution regarding the comptroller.