POUGHKEEPSIE – Mayor Rob Rolison presented his proposed $89 million budget to the common council in early October. The council held a public hearing on the budget last week and is poised to adopt it tonight (Monday) night.
During a review of the budget, the council offered no amendments to the spending plan. This past Friday afternoon, Council Chairwoman Ann Finney presented a series of budget amendments that will be considered Monday. Among them, the common council is seeking $75,000 to be added to their budget to hire outside consultants, $20,000 for “ward spending” and $50,000 for their own legal services. Another $4,500 is also being sought for “Council Technology.”
In the mayor’s preliminary budget, $275,000 had been allocated for healthcare expenses. When the New York State Health Insurance Plan (NYSHIP) rates for 2020 were finally released, there was no increase. The council is seeking to use those savings for their initiatives. Councilmen Chris Petsas and Matthew McNamara have both indicated that they would support the $20,000 ward spending. Petsas said he needs to be assured that checks and balances are put into place to guarantee that the monies will be used for “ward improvements” such as events.
McNamara had a different explanation for the funding. “The suggested $20,000 in the 2020 budget will be used for citywide council initiatives. This would include a wide range of things from informational and educational workshops to recycling bins.”
McNamara listed initiatives of his that utilized “ward” money in the past. “I’ve used funds for things like porta-potties for the senior league at Spratt Park, crosswalk signs around schools and parks, doggy bags for the dog park, and even a net for the pickleball court at Spratt.”
With the council requesting $75,000 for “outside consulting” combined with $50,000 for independent legal services, the council is set to establish a fund of their own totaling $125,000 that has no identifiable purpose. The budget amendments will be discussed at the council meeting being held on tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers.
