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Massapequa Park Village to vote on budget next week Massapequa Park Village officials are expected to vote on the 2008-09 Village budget next week, a budget that calls for an increase in spending of 5.4 percent and a 2 percent anticipated increase in the current village tax rate from $8.37 to $8.54. The new spending plan also anticipates a modest increase in revenues, due, primarily to the declining interest rates and the marked slow down in mortgage tax revenues. This year, the village took in $2.14 million in revenue and expects to be receiving $2.17 million in 2008-09. In a statement to residents, Mayor James Altadonna Jr. said that he is making every effortto ensure that Village funds are securely invested and that all expense are justified. "Our primary goals always will be for the security and success of our Village," he said. One big-ticket item in the new budget is salary increases, which add approximately $300,000 in new spending. Twenty-fiveunion employees will be receiving four-percent raises; six appointed staff members, including the Village Clerk and Treasurer will also get raises. No raises for elected officials are planned. The current budget is $6.24 million and will go to $6.58 next year. Other increases include additional money for fuel oil, utilities, health benefits and the purchase of a new truck. State retirement are expected to increase $35,000, from $145,000 $180,000 and medical insurance is up $58,700, from $804,300 to $863,000. Although there are no major capitol improvements planned, about $2 million in funding is set aside for the Village's continuing road repair program. Last year the Village completed six miles of surfacing and reconstruction. New initiatives for the coming year include a plan to construct a Veteran's Memorial on Sunrise Highway and establishment of a call-in program at Brady Park Senior Center. Village residents living in a home assessed at $7,000 currently pay $585.90 a year for Village taxes. The new rate would increase that annual bill to $598.80. The Village Board will vote on the budget proposal at a public meeting Monday, April 14, 8 p.m. at Village Hall. In other news, •Mayor Altadonna said that the Village is expected to receive $450,000 from the Nassau County Environmental Bond Act of 2006. "This is a tremendous grant and we are happy to move forward with it," said Altadonna explaining that the money will be used to install new catch basins. "Most of our water goes into the bay and this project will help ensure that the Great South Bay stays clean." The project is expected to cost $518,000, with the Village picking up the additional $68,000 needed to complete the work. •Village officials discussed ways in which to use Community Development. Every year the Village applies for funds to Nassau County Housing and Urban Development program. The Village hopes to get $300,000 for residential rehabilitation, and $150,000 in public facility improvements and handicapped ramps. "Every year I put in for money and hope I get it," said Village Clerk Peggy Caltabiano. "The Village has only about $1,000 a year dedicated for installing handicapped ramps on sidewalks; we put in about 50 a year at $2,000 each, so every little bit of funding to do this work helps."
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