Sunday, March 13, 2011
Route 7 Southbound Reopened; Northbound To Reopen Soon
These pictures were taken a few minutes ago, just seconds before the southbound lanes were reopened. Just one small area of water in front of Southworth's is holding up the reopening of the northbound lanes. Those are expected to reopen by around 1:00 p.m. You may also travel directly from the bridge onto Peagler Hill.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Council Passes Budget; Next Stop: Board of Finance
Last night, the Town Council passed the Mayor's Budget for 2011/2012 with the addition of $272,000. These are unofficial numbers: $2,000 for the Womens' Shelter; $100,000 for fuel; $50,000 for Finance Department Software; $30,000 for the Economic Development Corporation; $23,000 for the Economic Development Commission to promote the Town; and $67,000 for a new snow plow.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
New Milford Police Department: More Developments
A recent examination for a Lieutenant's position gives Chief Shawn Boyne another opportunity to make changes that, together with a recent termination, will no doubt improve the Department's productivity and increase morale in the ranks.
It is eminently clear that "business as usual" at the NMPD ended on October 15, 2010, when the new Chief took over.
It is eminently clear that "business as usual" at the NMPD ended on October 15, 2010, when the new Chief took over.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Budget Negativity and Misinformation Out-of-the-Gate
Some recent comments on this Site by people who haven’t a clue about municipal finance suggest a rocky Budget season ahead. This Budget cycle is different from prior budget cycles because there’s been reval and we’re suffering through awful economic times that affect everyone. There are those who, for whatever personal reasons, are spewing ridiculous, unfounded allegations that set a negative tone for the season and do a disservice to the taxpayers because they can ultimately threaten the long-term stability of the Town.
Three of those allegations were made in a post dated February 11 at 3:26 p.m.
First, how the heck did anyone come out of that Board of Finance Meeting with the idea that the Town has a two million dollar surplus?” This person is very confused and there was certainly no overbudgeting as implied.
Every year, there is a sum of money that the Town and School don’t spend in the budget appropriation process. What’s appropriated is not necessarily what has to be spent. If a bid comes in lower than expected, there’s a money savings. If the price of goods comes in lower than expected, money is saved. This is called prudent fiscal management. In the last fiscal year, that variance was about two million dollars or a little more than 2% of the entire Budget. Some people have an allergic reaction to saving money.
This two million dollars “to the good” would all fall to surplus if all anticipated revenues were received but that’s not what happens; there may be an operating surplus but there also may be offsetting revenue deficits. If there is a surplus, some of the money is allocated elsewhere. For example, $457,000 of the surplus from the BOE went into its Capital Reserve Fund. Smart fiscal move.
Second, the Town Auditors did not “report the town to the State” as alleged by this poster who clearly missed the clue truck. The Town notified the State that the Auditors needed an extension. There is a process for this and it is being followed. Nothing is being lost.
Third, the allegations that “someone conveniently did not report the ambulance barn bond” and “we’ve been getting the wrong bond rating because of it” are absolutely untrue. The temporary Ambulance Barn funding was rolled into the permanent financing and the Town’s Bond rating is where it should be – super excellent – thanks to good fiscal management.
Let’s look at the bright side. Somehow, the Town has managed to preserve our quality of life and sustain our values. I’d say those are major feats in this economy. We can all go back some years and, using 20-20 hindsight, come up with things that might have been done differently. But that perspective must be put in context. The real question is, “Did the Mayor and the Council make the right decisions based upon the information that they had at the time?” I am pleased to say that they did.
Whoever you are out there posting this junk, please knock it off. Educate yourself before you make these spurious and destructive allegations. If you need help, contact Director of Finance Ray Jankowski or Greg Miller at the BOE. There are also former elected officials who are willing to help you understand municipal finance.
These are difficult times. We need those who are well-intentioned to work together for the common good to preserve the quality of life that we all enjoy in New Milford.
Three of those allegations were made in a post dated February 11 at 3:26 p.m.
First, how the heck did anyone come out of that Board of Finance Meeting with the idea that the Town has a two million dollar surplus?” This person is very confused and there was certainly no overbudgeting as implied.
Every year, there is a sum of money that the Town and School don’t spend in the budget appropriation process. What’s appropriated is not necessarily what has to be spent. If a bid comes in lower than expected, there’s a money savings. If the price of goods comes in lower than expected, money is saved. This is called prudent fiscal management. In the last fiscal year, that variance was about two million dollars or a little more than 2% of the entire Budget. Some people have an allergic reaction to saving money.
This two million dollars “to the good” would all fall to surplus if all anticipated revenues were received but that’s not what happens; there may be an operating surplus but there also may be offsetting revenue deficits. If there is a surplus, some of the money is allocated elsewhere. For example, $457,000 of the surplus from the BOE went into its Capital Reserve Fund. Smart fiscal move.
Second, the Town Auditors did not “report the town to the State” as alleged by this poster who clearly missed the clue truck. The Town notified the State that the Auditors needed an extension. There is a process for this and it is being followed. Nothing is being lost.
Third, the allegations that “someone conveniently did not report the ambulance barn bond” and “we’ve been getting the wrong bond rating because of it” are absolutely untrue. The temporary Ambulance Barn funding was rolled into the permanent financing and the Town’s Bond rating is where it should be – super excellent – thanks to good fiscal management.
Let’s look at the bright side. Somehow, the Town has managed to preserve our quality of life and sustain our values. I’d say those are major feats in this economy. We can all go back some years and, using 20-20 hindsight, come up with things that might have been done differently. But that perspective must be put in context. The real question is, “Did the Mayor and the Council make the right decisions based upon the information that they had at the time?” I am pleased to say that they did.
Whoever you are out there posting this junk, please knock it off. Educate yourself before you make these spurious and destructive allegations. If you need help, contact Director of Finance Ray Jankowski or Greg Miller at the BOE. There are also former elected officials who are willing to help you understand municipal finance.
These are difficult times. We need those who are well-intentioned to work together for the common good to preserve the quality of life that we all enjoy in New Milford.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
BOE Super Recommending 2.31% Increase
According to a story in the News-Times, Superintendent of Schools JeanAnn Paddyfote is recommending a 2.31% increase to the BOE Budget for the next fiscal year. However, it is impossible to determine from Nanci Hutson’s story if the $700,000 stimulus money is included in that figure. If so, the increase is actually around 4%.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Morey Calls For Resignation of EDC Vice-Chair
This is Mr. Morey's response to an article (Town's finances scrutinized by citizen; experts say town is faring well in tough economy) in today's News-Times.
I was very pleased by the story in today's News-Times about the excellent condition of the Town's finances. Our bond rating is good. Our financial structure is strong. The Mayor and our Town officials are obviously doing a great job in these very difficult times.
However, I am appalled that Jeff Winter, the Vice-Chairman of the Economic Development Commission, has been challenging the Mayor and our Town officials about their handling of Town funds. Mr. Winter goes to Town Council Meetings to cause trouble when instead he should be a Town cheerleader. He took an oath to promote bringing business to Town and to help create jobs but he's doing just the opposite and his actions are hurting the residents of the Town of New Milford.
I call upon Mr. Winter to resign immediately from the EDC.
I was very pleased by the story in today's News-Times about the excellent condition of the Town's finances. Our bond rating is good. Our financial structure is strong. The Mayor and our Town officials are obviously doing a great job in these very difficult times.
However, I am appalled that Jeff Winter, the Vice-Chairman of the Economic Development Commission, has been challenging the Mayor and our Town officials about their handling of Town funds. Mr. Winter goes to Town Council Meetings to cause trouble when instead he should be a Town cheerleader. He took an oath to promote bringing business to Town and to help create jobs but he's doing just the opposite and his actions are hurting the residents of the Town of New Milford.
I call upon Mr. Winter to resign immediately from the EDC.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Facebook Threats At Schaghticoke Middle School
The incident was described in a News-Times Editorial on October 14. "Here is what happened: The eighth-grade boy posted on his Facebook page: "I swear to God I'm going to kill, Mr. (name, expletive)." The girl responded: "Let's bomb the school together."
The Editorial is critical of what it perceives as the meddling by the School Administration into private, off-campus matters and pleads the case for a nice get-together to chat about the comments and to turn the wrong into a nice lesson for the tots: "...Facebook, and other social media, are not at all private." Tea and crumpets, anyone?
Is that really the lesson? Or is it, "This behavior is never acceptable?"
I have a recommendation for a way to positively send this message home in a manner that these dopey kids would never forget. And no, unfortunately, corporal punishment isn't an option. Take them up to Police HQ and lock them in a jail cell for a few hours. Make sure the doors slam closed.
Is the News-Times kidding? In this day and age, how do you ever know what's serious and what's not? What would have happened if the parents had not come forward and these stupid kids actually tried to do something dumb to Vice-Principal Gerald Robinson? The parents who reported the posts absolutely did the right thing and the School Administration had to act quickly and decisively. It's the law. And invading the students' privacy? This is a necessary evil given the state of world affairs and one that has been justifiedly and increasingly accepted by courts all over the Country.
Shame on you, News-Times.
The Editorial is critical of what it perceives as the meddling by the School Administration into private, off-campus matters and pleads the case for a nice get-together to chat about the comments and to turn the wrong into a nice lesson for the tots: "...Facebook, and other social media, are not at all private." Tea and crumpets, anyone?
Is that really the lesson? Or is it, "This behavior is never acceptable?"
I have a recommendation for a way to positively send this message home in a manner that these dopey kids would never forget. And no, unfortunately, corporal punishment isn't an option. Take them up to Police HQ and lock them in a jail cell for a few hours. Make sure the doors slam closed.
Is the News-Times kidding? In this day and age, how do you ever know what's serious and what's not? What would have happened if the parents had not come forward and these stupid kids actually tried to do something dumb to Vice-Principal Gerald Robinson? The parents who reported the posts absolutely did the right thing and the School Administration had to act quickly and decisively. It's the law. And invading the students' privacy? This is a necessary evil given the state of world affairs and one that has been justifiedly and increasingly accepted by courts all over the Country.
Shame on you, News-Times.
Electronics Recycling at the Recycling Center On Youngsfield Road
There is some confusion about the types of electronic devices that may be dropped off at the Recycling Center. It's really quite simple: just about any type of electronic item may be dropped off. And it's free...the biggest bargain in Town!
Although the State Statutes require only the collection of "Covered Electronic Devices" defined as televisions, computers, monitors and printers, the Company that is taking this stuff -- WeRecycle -- is taking these and everything else for free. So you can bring VCRs, radios, CD players, laptops, netbooks, chargers...just about anything and there's no charge.
Here's the list that's attached to the Company's container at the Recycling Center:
Although the State Statutes require only the collection of "Covered Electronic Devices" defined as televisions, computers, monitors and printers, the Company that is taking this stuff -- WeRecycle -- is taking these and everything else for free. So you can bring VCRs, radios, CD players, laptops, netbooks, chargers...just about anything and there's no charge.
Here's the list that's attached to the Company's container at the Recycling Center:
Friday, October 15, 2010
Shawn Boyne Sworn In As New Chief of Police
It was almost SRO. The colors were passed and there was a terrific show of support from the men and women of our own Department and many from the State Police. Chief Boyne's parents were there along with his fiance. Congratulations to Chief Boyne and congratulations to the Town of New Milford.
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