Governor Patterson On His 2008 Budget Cuts.

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From New York State Governor David Patterson. December 16, 2008: In a communication just received  by WPCNR from Governor Patterson, who released his 2008 budget cuts on time as promised today, the Governor reaches out to the people of New York to explain his cuts.



Governor Patterson In White Plains, November, 2008


My Fellow New Yorkers,

Today, I released my budget for the coming fiscal year, proposing a package of targeted tax and fee increases, significant spending cuts, and streamlining or eliminating programs that are not working, in order to close our state’s estimated $15.4 billion deficit, the largest in New York State’s history.

These difficult times require making difficult choices, and it’s painful to have to make some of these decisions. I have repeatedly said that nothing is off the table when it comes to addressing this deficit, and I have recently found myself having to veto bills as Governor that I sponsored when I was a State Senator. However, we are in the midst of the greatest economic crisis we have endured since the Great Depression. People are suffering, and action must be taken.


(More)


 




As a former State Senator from Harlem, I know from experience the effect of budget cuts and fee increases on working families, which is why I carefully considered the reductions in spending to education and Medicaid. However, taken together, education and health care represent over half of our budget, and reductions are necessary if we’re going to get our state back on track. In the coming days, we can expect to read stories and watch commercials about these proposed cuts, and while cuts to education and health care cannot be avoided, they can be done smartly to minimize the impact on the classrooms and the hospitals and clinics.

However, I am also acutely aware that there are families struggling to provide basic needs for their loved ones, which is why I have proposed increasing funding to a number of social initiatives aimed at helping the poorest New Yorkers through these challenging economic times, including an increase to welfare grants for the first time in 18 years, expanding the state-financed Family Health Plus health insurance program to cover 19- and 20-year-olds who no longer live with their parents, and increasing services to CUNY & SUNY colleges and universities.

I encourage you to learn more about my budget priorities by reading the news stories below:

Closing the State Deficit Requires Prudence (Albany Times Union)

NY Gov. Paterson’s state budget in brief (Newsday)

As I’ve said time and again, these extraordinary circumstances are forcing us all to take a hard look at our fiscal priorities and to make some difficult choices in an effort to keep our state solvent. I submitted my budget five weeks early because I want to give New Yorkers, legislators, state agencies, and various interest groups sufficient opportunity to discuss the steps we need to take next to put New York back on the right path. I will deliver my State of the State address on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 to continue that conversation with all New Yorkers.

These are difficult times, but I am confident that New Yorkers, together, will rise to meet this great challenge.

Sincerely,
Governor David A. Paterson

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Teachers Union: Union Position As Stated By District is Not True.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. December 16, 2008: Kerry Broderick, President of the White Plains Teachers Union denied that her union had scaled back its pay demands to 3%, as stated by Assistant Superintendent for Business of the School District, Fred Seiler in the Journal News Sunday. Roderick said the school district was negotiating in the press.


Broderick  accused the district of a lack of integrity and failure to bargain in good faith, telling the CitizeNetReporter the district had not presented negotiating positions to the teachers since June. She declined to state the teachers’ wage demands going into the start of mediation proceedings with a mediator, Karen Kenny, appointed by the New York State Public Employer Relations Board.


Broderick said the White Plains teachers dispute with the School District is being closely watched by the number of school districts without teachers’ contracts in Westchester County.

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MAYOR CUTS BUDGET WITH 6 MONTHS TO GO– Unspecified Number of Part-timers Axed

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. December 15, 2008: Mayor Joseph Delfino, as reported previously, has directed all city departments to tighten their budgets by some 7%. Today delivered some specifics by department on budget cuts. The cuts included the firing of an unspecified number of part-time workers in the Department of Public Works, the Library, and the Department of Recreation and Parks, including the Ebersole Skating Rink, (which according to City Hall has fired four part-time workers.) Here is the text of the Mayor’s statement released to the media today:



Mayor Joseph Delfino, October , 2008. Mayor Announced Budget Cutbacks Today, detailed as follows:


To All Department Heads


From: Mayor Joseph Delfino


Re: Budget Reductions and Savings


 


Re: Spending Reductions


 


As you already know, the economy is well entrenched in a recession that presents significant challenges for us all.  While the City of White Plains has more than adequate financial reserves currently, it is necessary for us to be vigilant and proactive during these times and to take action to safeguard the City’s financial future. 


 


We believe, given the current economic situation, that revenues for the City will be decreased significantly from last year. That is something beyond our control, although I encourage all of you to examine your fee schedules to see if there are areas that can be improved.


 


But we need to take control of what we can today. To this end, we have undertaken a review of our operations and our budget for the balance of the current fiscal year and have begun to implement additional strategies to reduce spending. Our goal is to not only reduce our current fiscal year spending, but to make structural changes that will reduce operating costs going forward with as little impact as possible on the level of services provided.


 


Thus far, we have identified operational costs for the balance of fiscal year 2008-09 which should be implemented immediately, they include:


 


City Wide: We can significantly reduce our expenditures on energy costs by taking some very simple actions. I am ordering that all City facilities reduce the temperature by 2 degrees now, in the winter months, and it will be raised by 2 degrees in the warmer months. It many sound trite or seem of little significance, but I ask all employees to be more aware in general of energy savings by shutting off lights and appliances in rooms that are not being used such as conference rooms, lunch areas, etc. I appreciate how hard you all work including on weekends. I’m asking, whenever possible during the colder months, to take work home.  City Hall will be closed all weekend and the temperature will remain at 50 degrees until Monday morning.


 


Gasoline and diesel prices have fallen and if they remain at the current level or even go back up a little bit, we expect to realize a savings this year.


 


The current hiring freeze remains in effect, and we are seeing a significant savings as a result of that. I know this has placed additional burdens on all of you, and I appreciate employees who are stepping up and filling the voids.


 


•           Public Safety: Reduction of planned overtime and discretionary spending – $200 thousand. In addition we will operate with the current vacancies we have, six in police and three in fire. However, because of the new proposed operational schedule we should have an additional two to three officers on each shift as well as an additional fireman.


 


•           Recreation & Parks: This is a most difficult time of the year for reductions to this department because most of the operational money has already been expended. However, reduction of planned part-time staff expenditures and spending for program supplies and services, as well as modifications to program schedules, and the cancellation of underutilized programs and reduced hours of operation of some facilities will help contribute to savings.


 


•           Youth Bureau: Reduction of part-time spending, some of which will be paid this fiscal year through a grant. We will reduce hours of operation by closing at 8 p.m. instead of 9 and will close on holidays and school vacations. The newsletter is being eliminated and there will be some cuts in program supplies/services and advertising.


 


•           Library: Modified hours of operation, forgone replacement of vacant full-time position, reduction of part-time staffing, reduced spending on books & materials are all possible and will be discussed at their board meeting tomorrow night.


 


•           Public Works: Reduced waste disposal fees through more effective recycling; reduced expenditure for paving materials; reduction of overtime and part-time through service modifications. The service modifications include the elimination of litter basket pick ups which are primarily in the downtown on weekends. This will save the City from paying crews time and a half on Saturdays and double time on Sundays. The BID street sweepers will monitor the baskets and a dumpster at City Hall will be used by them. We will delay the opening Renaissance Fountain for one month. Aside from the energy and water savings this will generate, it will also reduce the need for six part-time positions by allowing the full time crews to fully prepare ball fields for the season without simultaneously having to open the fountain.



•           Parking Department: Reducing the hours in some garages after the Holidays will result in savings in overtime. Reducing materials and supplies that are not absolutely necessary for public life safety. We will also defer the paving of some surface lots.


 


These are the major cuts that will have a minimal impact on services. We believe we may be able to realize a savings of between $3.5 to $4 million as a result. Every department, mostly the administrative ones not listed here is expected to contribute. I commend every commissioner on their creativity and spirit of cooperation.


 


Our operational review is ongoing and we are committed to ensuring that the City of White Plains remains on solid financial footing. While this will not be an easy or painless process, working together, we will navigate these difficult waters, and we’re confident that this will soon pass.     

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Stepinac High Sponsors Massive Coat Drive TUES Wed, Drop off Coats During Day

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Stepinac High School. December 14, 2008 UPDATED December 15, 2008:

Archbishop Stepinac High School is leading a massive coat drive for the Salvation Army’s White Plains location.  Stepinac students will rally with students from other Westchester parochial schools and local organizations to bring in men’s, women’s and children’s coats in an effort to give back to the community during these difficult economic times. Bring coats your family does not need to Stepinac High, 950 Mamaroneck Avenue, 11:30 to 12:30 this Wednesday. Coats may be dropped off in morning and afternoons all day today, Tuesday and Wednesday.


 

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Public Safety: Work on Roof lead to North Broadway Fire

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE.  Special to WPCNR from White Plains Department of Public Safety. December 13, 2008: According to the White Plains Department of Public Safety the cause of the Friday fire at 20 North Broadway was accidental igniting of the roof by workers making repairs to the roof.  White Plains Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Daniel Jackson released this state moments ago:


“The cause and origin investigation has concluded. The cause of the fire on N. Broadway was determined to be accidental in nature, related to the ongoing repairs being made to the roof. A propane torch was being used which is believed to be the source of ignition. This is the result of the analysis of the physical evidence as well as extensive interviews of the workers. “




 

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Police, Firefighters OK with 3.75%, 4% and 4% Raise Package, Duty Changes. Is C

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. December 13, 2008:  Police and firefighters have agreed to pay raises of 3.75%, 4% and 4% in new three year deals with the city, subject to approval of the Common Council. As first reported by White Plains Week, the weekly city news roundup show, White Plains Police and Fire Fighters unions have ratified a slightly less than expected pay increase for 2009-2010 through 2011-2012   for the Police and believed to be 2007-2008 through 2010-2011 for the White Plains Professional fire fighters according to  union documents, and confirmation by informed sources from both unions. The police and firemen have also agreed to work rules changes.


City Hall  and Common Council members have  declined comment on the terms of the settlements which will be voted on in the Common Council Special Meeting Wednesday evening.  WPCNR awaits comment from the head of the White Plains Patrolman’s Benevolent Association.


 



City Hall and Common Councilmembers have put a media blackout on the terms of the settlements and have refused to release details of the settlement prior to the Council Special Meeting on Wednesday, setting the stage for fireworks, rhetoric and posturing by the three members of the Common Council and the Mayor (who are up for election in 11 months) at Wednesday’s meeting.


Both Police and fire unions will, according to sources, get pay increases across all grades of 3.75% the first year, 4% in year 2, and 4% in year 3.  Paul Wood, Executive Officer for the Mayor, said the city had gotten some concessions from the union.  Mr. Wood did not elaborate, but firemen have indicated they will now under the new accord, if approved, be on a 24-hour straight tour, a standard in fire departments elsewhere. Police sources tell WPCNR a new 12-hour tour would be put in place as part of the police accord. WPCNR awaits details.


Unions are nervous that the Common Council may balk on the settlements, however, the council appears to have approved the settlements in Executive Session two weeks ago.  Previously, it had been reported the raises would be 3.75, 3.75 and 4%. If the Council fell back to those levels for public relations reasons in an election year, it is unclear whether the unions would go along with the savings and tour changes.


 

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Kindergarten Registration Begins January 7

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From White Plains City School District. December 12, 2008:  The White Plains Public Schools’ Parent Information Center announces the official Kindergarten Registration Period that begins on Wednesday, January 7th and continues through Wednesday, February 11th.  All children who will turn five by December 31, 2009 and who live in White Plains are eligible for kindergarten in September, 2009.  Parents are urged to call 422-2038 as soon as possible to make a registration appointment.

            Under the Controlled Parents’ Choice Program, parents who complete their children’s kindergarten registration by February 11th can indicate which of the five elementary schools they prefer for their children.  In the past 20 years of the Choice Program, an average of 93% of the parents got their 1st choice school, 97% got their 1st or 2nd choice school, and 100% of parents who made three choices got one of their three choices. 


            For more information, call the Parent Information Center at 422-2113.

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2007-2008 Four-Peat Women’s Hoopsters, High Scorers to be Honored at WP

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WPCNR SPORTS TICKER. From White Plains City School District. December 13, 2008: The White Plains High School Women’s Basketball Program will celebrate “A Banner Night” on Monday, December 22nd in the North Gym of the School.  At halftime during the 6 P.M. game against Ramapo the school will honor the seven women each of whom scored 1,000 points in their  high school career.


 



White Plains Tigers 2007-2008 Girls Basketball Section One Champions for fourth consecutive year shown the night of the triumph.


 


            The honorees are:  Tracey Turner, Kristin Donohoe, Nicole Daniels, Elise Bronzo, Liz Flooks, Kim Adams and Angelei Aguirre.  A special banner will be unveiled in their honor .  The program will  also honor members of the 2007-08 Sectdion One Championship Team, as an unprecedented fourth  consecutive championship banner is raised that evening. 


 


            All present and former players and families of the WPHS Women’s Basketball Program are invited to a reception following the game.

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Feiner Supports AG Andrew Cuomo’s County Government Recall Law

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WPCNR THE FEINER REPORT. By Town of Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. December 11, 2008:

NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has released a proposal to authorize citizens to initiate petitions to consolidate/dissolve all local government bodies. If 10% of the people in a jurisdiction or 5,000 voters sign a petition there would be a referendum.  This is a great idea.

 

It is very important that the concept  be expanded to county governments. Voters should have the ability to petition to elminate, consolidate all levels of government–including county government. A new group: www.rethinkingwestchestergov.com has been formed.

 

 Our committee is contemplating life without county government. Connecticut abolished county government in 1960. Rhode Island has no county government. And, Massachusetts authorized county governments to go out of business in the mid 1990s–and many county governments decided to dissolve.

The Attorney General’s proposal is a step in the right direction –let the people initiate consolidation, dissolution of local governments. 

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor

co-founder, RethinkingWestchestergov.com

 

Here is the proposal:


ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO OUTLINES LEGAL PROPOSAL TO REDUCE GOVERNMENT WASTE AND SAVE TAXPAYER MONEY





State’s Patchwork Quilt of over 10,500 Governmental Entities Buries Residents with Nation’s Highest Taxes and Outdated Services


New Law Proposes to Eliminate Legal Barriers that Make it Virtually Impossible for Citizens to Reform Local Government



ALBANY, N.Y. (December 11, 2008) – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo outlined today a new legal proposal to give communities across the state the power to reform local governments. As the current fiscal climate continues to financially squeeze communities and residents across the state, Cuomo’s proposal is designed to cut government waste and reduce taxes. Currently, the state is home to over 10,500 governments that saddle residents with the nation’s highest taxes and leaves the state with layers of antiquated government entities and special districts.


Cuomo today announced he will work with Gov. David Paterson, leaders of the state Legislature, government reform groups and local government leaders across New York to introduce a comprehensive legislative package to streamline the often Byzantine and cumbersome process of consolidating local governmental entities, including the myriad special districts across the state.


“Despite New Yorkers drowning for decades in some of the nation’s highest taxes, local leaders have been blocked from reforming local government in an effort to cut government waste and reduce the tax burden,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “During this economic crisis, leaders have an historic opportunity to fundamentally reform this state’s patchwork quilt of local government entities. These layers upon layers of taxing entities have a chokehold on state residents, and antiquated and arcane laws governing them perpetuate government inefficiency. Our goal is to reform those laws so communities, where appropriate, can reduce local government burden and reduce the cost of living in this great state.”


In all, there are more than 10,500 governmental entities imposing taxes and fees across New York State. This includes towns, villages, districts and special districts such as water, sewer and lighting districts.


Attorney General Cuomo’s Proposal Compared to Existing Law































Existing Law

Attorney General’s Proposal


Multitude of confusing laws scattered throughout the Town Law, Village Law, General Municipal Law, Municipal Home Rule Law and Election Law.

Single law applicable to all local government entities, which eliminates irrational inconsistencies and anachronisms in existing law


Confusing and inconsistent procedures to consolidate or dissolution, which vary depending on the type of local government entity involved

Uniform and simplified consolidation/dissolution procedures that comprehensively address transition issues.


Disempowered governing bodies are barred from initiating process with respect to certain kinds of local government entities

Empowered governing bodies can initiate consolidation/dissolution process for all local government entities.


Disempowered citizenry are barred from initiating process for certain kinds of local government entities.

Empowered citizens can initiate consolidation/dissolution process for all local government entities.


Confusing and hyper-technical process frequently leading to litigation and/or disqualification both of signatures and of whole petitions.

Simplified petition process and petition form for citizens to initiate consolidation/dissolution process


Higher and wildly different signature requirements depending on the kind of local government entity involved.

Uniform signature requirement of 10% or 5,000, whichever is less, to initiate consolidation/dissolution process.


Must own taxable real property to petition for or vote on proposed consolidation/dissolution of certain local government entities.

Abolish all land owning requirements to petition for or vote on proposed consolidation/dissolution


Counties barred from abolishing outright inefficient or moribund local government entities.

Counties empowered to transfer and abolish local government entities subject to mandatory referendum requirements.

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ABC Committee Disbanded. District Invites All WP-ers to Craft 09-10 Budget

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. December 10, 2008 UPDATED 10:30 P.M.:  Expressing fears that the 2009-2010 school budget process was going to be difficult, outgoing Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors (retiring June 30)  announced the entire city of White Plains would be invited to two public forums or “cafes’” to make suggestions and offer their strategies, and give the Board of Education input on budget priorties.


The two forums replace the Annual Budget Committee of 30 persons who annually met the previous decade to aid the district in shaping a budget that the district has passed annually for years with no votedowns ever that this reporter remembers. But the 2008 budget vote was closer than ever, passing by 105 votes.


The 2009-2010 White Plains City School District budget, is predicted by the CitizeNetReporter to approach $200 Million if school spending follows past trends and city assessments remain the same. The budget has been averaging 7% growth and 8% growth in school taxes for the last decade. The taxes paid by the median house in White Plains ( selling for $700,000) now top $12,600 and are on track to top $15,000 in 2009-2010, at the present rate.



Connors Calls on Entire White Plains Community to Hammer Out the School Budget at two forums Thursday, January 8 and Thursday, February 26.



Connors said that traditionally the community input has been given by a committee of 30 or so prominent businesspersons, realtors, involved parents, educators most long time residents of White Plains. Previously, the ABC Committee has made suggestions as to ways the budget could be trimmed. Most cuts came out of ABC Committee opposition, but the committee rarely objected  strenuously  or had the fortitude to  challenge and ease the ahead-of-inflation pace of the White Plains school budgets the last decade.


Arguably their most impactful decision was rejecting Superintendent of Schools Connors’ suggestion to establish the district’s own division for educating developmentally disabled. Connors saw it as a service not only for White Plains diabled youth, but as a profit center for the district that would attract children from other districts and pay for itself through tuition paid the district. The ABC Committee rejected that.



The Annual Budget Committee meeting February 7, 2008. The Committee usually held about 3 to 4 meetings per year, plus public hearings held by the school district. By cutting down to two Budget Forums and two Public Hearings, there could conceivably be less scrutiny by the public, due to the public lack of familiarity with the School Budget and the way it is set up. Even the ABC Committee which consisted of virtually the same group each, give or take several new faces, for all their familiarity were not as knowledgeable of the school budget pressures, and spoke mainly from the heart, with a few exceptions.


This committee of 30, known as the Annual Budget Committee will not be convened this year, however former members will be invited to participate. The  Budget Forums will feature presentation of the budget, gathering of citizen reaction, and based on what the citizens say about how the budget should be put together, the Board will attempt to formulate the budget.


Connors said, “we know it’s going to be a difficult year (financially). We’re going to invite all  residents to contribute what ideas they have…There are no sacred items. We’ll look at everything within the schools.”


The first “Budget Forum” will be held January 8, and the second, February 26. He said there would be two public hearings on the budget also on March 9 and May 11, with the budget vote scheduled for May 19. Details to follow.


Connors said the Finance Committee would see his first “run-through” on the school budget December 23. Connors said the idea for inviting all the public to participate in budget policy decisions was suggested by the finance committee.

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