Fishkill proposed Drainage Districts

For the last year, there have been discussions in Fishkill. To create “Special Drainage Districts” in the Town of Fishkill. These talks happened in Special Fishkill Town Board meetings that were not televised on August 29, 2012, September 26, 2012 and October 10 2012. The talks began as residents complained about the horrid conditions of Dutchess Park Lake. There seems to be some confusion as to what is going on, and I would like to explain the situation.

 

Dutchess Park Lake has not been properly maintained for years. Now the solution to the problem, according to the Republican members on the board. Is to create a “Special Drainage District”, to deal with the problem. What that means, is that they want to create a separate taxing entity. To pay for issues. That are already covered under the Highway budget, which you are already being taxed for. This issue is not only directed at residents of Dutchess Park. But residents that live in Beacon Hills and those who live in the McGrath area along Rt.82 are also being considered for a “Special Drainage District.”

 

What’s ironic, is that the Republican members of the board. Just last year did away with the developers “Downstream Fee’s” that could have been used to offset costs. But developers trump the taxpayer in Fishkill. After a 53% Property Tax increase, 78% water increase, 20% sewer increase to go along with a School Tax Bill Collection “Fee”. Republicans on the board now wish to add another tax line to the Fishkill taxpayer. Not to mention the fact that the GOP cost you money while botching the Flood Insurance issue. They are now also pushing for a Hotel Tax too boot.

 

Every Fishkill taxpayer should be against the creation of “Special Drainage Districts.” It goes against the principles of fiscal discipline and keeping government small. Every government survey shows. That these “Special Districts” are the root cause of  tax increases and inefficient government. Even this board is doing a analysis as we speak to consolidate our many water districts into one. If the Republican members on the board wish to proceed with creating another taxing entity in Fishkill. I ask them to notify the residents impacted by mail for the Public Hearing and if voted by the board with a yes. They then need to let the public vote on it with election machines. If the Republicans are against a Public Vote, this issue would be subject to a “Permissive Referendum.” This means if you collect about 100 names on a petition in the district impacted. The citizens can force a vote on the issue. I am sure that this act would be unnecessary. After all, the Republicans would surely be able to “sell” the public to vote yes on another tax increase.