Pubdate: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 Source: Finger Lakes Times (NY) Copyright: Finger Lakes Times 2004 Contact: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=1206 Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2074 Author: Denise M. Champagne SF CUTS INCLUDE DARE PROGRAM Sidewalk Plan Also Eliminated Under Proposal SENECA FALLS -- The current version of the village budget carries a 4 percent tax hike, down from the 11 percent that was discussed last week after department heads submitted all of their requests. To reduce the figure, department heads were told last Tuesday to re-evaluate their needs. The cuts that resulted include eliminating the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, the sidewalk program and the purchase of a $117,000 dump truck. The village board stressed that everything discussed in its three-session public hearing, which ended yesterday, was just proposals. No changes have been made yet to the $3.7 million spending plan proposed under former Mayor Antonio Costantino. That proposal calls for a 1 percent tax decrease to $17.86 per $1,000 of assessed value from $18.04 per $1,000 for the fiscal year that begins June 1. Treasurer Larry Driscoll said department heads reduced their requests from more than $350,000 to $137,895. Coupled with $25,000 the Seneca Falls Library is asking for, that would bring the projected tax increase to 4 percent or $18.81 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. In addition, Driscoll projects the village will finish the year with a $1.8 million fund balance, which doesn't reflect $666,929 in revenue from the sewer and water accounts. No decision has been made about handling the fund transfers that were made under the Costantino administration. Estimated deficits in the two accounts for next year are unknown at this time. Police Chief Frederick Capozzi said his cuts included $3,500 from the overtime budget, which is used to provide security at community events such as CanalFest, Convention Days, and the band pageant. He also cut $5,740.25 to fund the DARE program. "It seems like you've hit two areas -- DARE and special events -- that go right to the heart," said 3rd Ward Trustee Anthony Petroccia, asking Capozzi if he could reduce other accounts instead. "No," Capozzi answered, noting he is operating on about $80,000 a year, not including salaries and benefits. He said most of his purchases in recent years have been with grants. He also said he is not advocating cutting the DARE program. "How effective do you think that program has been in Seneca Falls in keeping kids off drugs?" asked 4th Ward Trustee Fran Wenderlich. Capozzi said good parenting is the best method to fighting teen drug abuse, but he still feels DARE is essential and sets a great tone when an officer in the school district meets with students in a helpful setting. The board also has to address structural problems with the village garage, which was re-roofed this year. Street Commissioner William Gladis said the walls keep moving and have been heaving under recent frost conditions. He didn't give an estimate but said it would probably cost more to repair it than replace it. There also were brief discussions about funding drug testing for village employees, particularly those who operate motorized equipment, and updating village ordinances (which Water and Sewer Superintendent Jeffrey Warrick said could bring in additional money if people are charged for hookups and other calls). Ann Cramer of Cayuga Street called $3,000 for the sidewalk program a bargain. It pays residents $5 a foot toward repairing their walkways. She said she still intends to fix hers, adding the village has a lot of walkers, joggers, strollers, skateboarders and roller-skaters who use sidewalks. Meetings are set up for 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., respectively, for the Public Works and Public Safety committees to meet with Driscoll to further review departmental requests. The board will resume budget talks at 7 p.m. April 26. The budget must be adopted by midnight April 30 or revert back to the one Costantino proposed. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake