Each one of us should stop and think about what level of services our local government provides without having to travel a long distance. Our roads are plowed and maintained; we have our own codes, zoning and planning office; we issue licenses and permits; we collect taxes; we have our own assessment office; we have our own police department; and we even administer justice in our own court system. We have our own fire departments and local ambulance services, with the majority of personnel being strictly volunteers. We adopt local laws and determine the use of our land in our communities. Of course none of this could be possible without an honest administration dedicated to providing governmental services through local democracy. Along with that comes a budget created with the residents’ safety and service and proper application of our revenues in mind.
Approximately a month ago I instituted an internal audit in all departments to be
conducted by the comptroller. This audit is necessary to verify our financial stability. This process came as a surprise to some departments. Comments received were “I have never had anyone ask me for that before!” Being a new administration going by the book, reading the laws in place and then making sure that they are carried out, all of this is just part of my job. We are all learning from this that there are changes or corrections that must be made. At my last department head meeting two weeks ago I ask for at least a 15% budget cut from each of them. This cut is in anticipation of shortfalls that could occur at the end of the year. After going over the 2010 budget that was adopted, the comptroller and I have realized areas where there has to be immediate action taken to protect us throughout the rest of the year.
I have also taken great steps to provide the Brewerton Revitalization Committee a true picture in regard to the Phase I River Park project. We still have the grant monies available, but there was no money budgeted for economic development other than to pay Saratoga Associates to complete the artwork concepts and deliver them to the DOT for approval. Saratoga Associates must also provide a cost analysis of the complete project including the Phase II Streetscapes application. Of course, this grant requires the town to have matched funds up front first, pay for the services and then apply to the DOT for pay back at 80%. I have asked the Committee to become active by forming a non-profit organization, engage in fundraisers, and look for donations, including in-kind to assist in the “bricks & mortar” portion of the project. Anyone interested? Please contact me at my office (699-1414).
Looking to the future for the Town as you venture into the courtroom you will notice a change. The pictures from the 200th Year Celebration have been removed to make way for the future of the Town that obviously will become history someday. Of course these pictures are of utmost importance and will be displayed properly. We have had several ideas including placing them in an album to displayed at the Town Hall, or possibly the Library, or hand over to the Historical Society. This will give all residents of the town, and visitors as well, who don’t frequent the Town Hall to have an opportunity to see some of the historic families who dedicated their lives to create the great town of Cicero. We have also properly displayed two of our past judges’ plaques on the doors of the justice office. The picture of Leona Flynn, our previous historian, is right next to the wonderful mural of Cicero. Plaques of some of the deceased members of the town now proudly hang in the entry hall to the Supervisor’s office.
Soon the vacant wall will display the future of Cicero that, of course, will eventually become history, as we all know. The future for the Town of Cicero is the vision of the present administration. We encourage the all of the residents of the town to let us know any other ideas that will demonstrate that we are moving forward to a better government for Cicero.
The County Sales Tax issue is weighing heavy on all of our minds. It was approved in 2000 by Onondaga County to distribute a portion of the county’s 3% sales tax to the city, towns and villages and school districts. Unfortunately this resolution will expire on December 31, 2010. Our County Legislature established a sales tax review committee to explore reducing sales tax revenue. Several meetings have been held with the opportunity for schools, towns and villages to present reasons why we cannot afford any reductions. The Town of Cicero could lose approximately $600,000 in revenues. If this occurs at full value or less, the Town will have to reduce services or pass the cost along to Town taxpayers. It is imperative that you call the County Executive Joanie Mahoney at 435-3516 or write to her at the John H. Mulroy Civic Center, 14h Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202 to express your support for the current level of sales tax revenues. Also, contact your local legislators and assembly members, Al Stirpe, Dave Valesky, Dan Mafffei or Bill Meyer.
All residents in the Town of Cicero on the North and East side of Route 31 including Brewerton and waterfront owners should have received their first cut by GAR Associates, regarding the full assessment process. Please review the information for accuracy. If any of the information appears to be incorrect take the time to make the corrections and either mail back or take it to the assessor’s office at the Town Hall. There will be extended hours for further assistance at the assessor’s office on April 12th, April 14th, & April 16th from 1 – 7 PM. Please take advantage of this opportunity to speak with a representative from GAR with your questions and concerns.
Just a reminder of some Special Community Events that are coming up. The Friends of the Can Teen will be hosting the Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball All-World Tour in Cicero on August 7th and 8th. For more info call 699-1391. The Cicero Chamber Commerce will again have the Festival at Sacred Heart Church grounds on June 11, 12, and 13th. The parade time has been changed to 12 noon. Keep an eye out for future announcements. On June 19th there is going to be a blessing of the fleet in the Oneida River in Brewerton. There are plans underway for a Canal Days event to include vendors, crafters, music and local dance demonstrations. This event will run parallel with the Brewerton Library event. Seaway Canal Corporation is heading the charge for this event.
Earth Day in Cicero is scheduled for April 17th. All interested parties wishing to participate in this Town effort to clean up the environment should contact Tracey Cosilmon, Cicero Town Clerk, at her office at the Town Hall. Come and join your town administrators for a few hours to make a difference and help make our Town Sparkle.
The highway department, the zoning office, Councilor Jessica Zambrano and I are continually becoming aware of all of the issues of our roads, gutters, drainage, etc. A comprehensive drainage plan is being developed along with a plan by priority of road and gutter repairs. There is only one problem. In the budget that was adopted there was no money budgeted for gutter repair and minimal money allocated for highway and drainage repair. By continually using the Town’s reserves to balance the budget and NOT making a small tax levy your town now has more than just money issues. The cost to repair our highways is approximately $100,000 a mile. Road repair has been on the back burner for to long a period of time. The highway department will continue to work towards finding ways to make as many road repairs as possible within its budget.
The Police Study and Research committee will soon be in place. Final committee people are being selected by Chairman John Winter. Meeting times and location are also being entertained for the convenience of the committee. Once resolved the task will start towards studying the Law enforcement within the Town of Cicero, including any and all cross over or duplicate of services. I have conveyed my concerns by priority of Safety first, Service and then Savings.
A first step in looking into municipalities sharing services has been put into place with the Village of North Syracuse and the Town of Cicero. An inter-municipal agreement is now in place that will allow a sharing of the Town of Cicero code enforcement personnel to perform similar duties in the town and village. Under the agreement the village will save estimated $40,000 annually and the town will gain $2,000 monthly for provided services. Mayor Browning and I will continue to explore other areas which could produce savings for our taxpayers while continuing the same level of town and village services. This is just one more step towards your elected leaders sharing resources to benefit all taxpayers.
By now you can all see that there is never a dull moment in your Town of Cicero Town Hall. I take pride in representing all of you and look forward to continue with improvements and open government.