$1,700 Tax UP for Avg Home, Betw City School County. Budget Forum Skeptical

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. February 25, 2009 UPDATED 4:16 P.M. E.S.T. UPDATED February 26, 2009 11:35 A.M. EST : The Board of Education unveiled its “Austerity Budget,” Wednesday evening to mixed reactions at the high school. The public as a whole did not demand more cuts in the  Preliminary School Budget set at $185.9 Million,  (the lowest year-to-year increase in thirteen years), but mainly asked questions that demonstrated  a lack of familiarity with district expenses. Main concern focused on cutting teachers and teacher aids.


 


The Superintendent of Schools said that if the School Budget were voted down, the district could choose to offer another vote, or lower the budget at the Board’s discretion but were prevented from putting out a budget higher than any budget the district votes down.  It was pointed out that the current expense budget is .81% higher than the budget last year. And, the Contingency Budget believed to be allowed this year would enable a 4% year-to-year increase.


 



Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors background with microphone and Assistant Superintendent for Business, Fred Seiler, foreground fielding questions from about 150 persons last night at the second Community Budget Forum.


 


 


The Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors would not report the number of teacher, administrator, custodial and secretarial cuts in personnel until he said he shared the specific cuts with the schools. A teachers union representative, Joan Traber said the district had not shared the exact number of cuts of teachers and assistants with the Teachers Union going into the second round of state-mediated negotiations today. The Superintendent said a possible settlement was planned for in the new budget, and it would not have to be increased with any settlement.


 


In response to an angry tax payer surprised by the stealth cut in STAR Exemptions last spring that cost White Plains taxpayers unanticipated taxes , the Superintendent said as soon as the district received word from New York State as to cuts in the STAR BASIC and ENHANCED Exemptions (that lower home assessed values reducing property taxes) he would share that with the public. 


 


Fred Seiler, the Assistant Superintendent for Business said the school district anticipated a $2.5 Million cut in education aid. He also made a point that a 1% expense increase did not translate into a 1% tax increase, which Seiler admitted would drive the tax rate up. Seiler said the district anticipated lower assessed Value. His point was that though the district had only raised their budget less than 1%, that taxes would still be going up due to declining school aid, declining revenues from assessments.


 


He also said that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority proposal to tax school districts, if enacted, would cost the White Plains district an additional $325,000 plus added to the budget. That, WPCNR computes,  would move the year-to-year budget increase up to .9% from the .81% 


 


The Superintendent noted  the school district is seeing an increase in enrollment at the kindergarten and the high school levels from private schools as the economy deteriorates. He also stated that the Emerging Scholars Program, originally given to WPCNR on a list of summer programs to be eliminated two weeks ago, was not going to be eliminated.


 


The budget presently is $1.5 Million higher (0.8% higher) than the 08-09 budget. This is the lowest school budget year-to-year increase since 1995 when the budget was $87.8 Million and increased only 1.94% .


 


For a more complex analysis of the Preliminary Budget published earlier this week follows.


 


 


In the thirteen years since, the school budget has more than doubled to the suggest $185.9 Million made public Monday evening, a .81% increase, increasing the tax rate an estimated $11 per $1,000 of assessed value by WPCNR estimates before the district considers its 09-10 revenues, giving a tax increase of approximately $150 for the $500,000 to $700,000 home, and  substantially more over $200 and up for homes valued higher than $700,000.


The $4.3 Million in cuts the school district made from the $190.3 Million submitted are mainly layoffs, attrition and retirements amounting to about 30 persons based on an estimate of $100,000 in salary and benefits for each person whether they be teacher, secretary, custodian or teaching aid.


 


The Superintendent of Schools has declined to reveal the number of persons who will lose jobs, will be retiring, or whatever, if these are real people or not. For years the district has been told you can’t cut teachers without  reducing teacher-student rations and thus increasing class size.


 


Well this year, the district said Monday, they can. It raises the question of why more personnel cannot be cut, why suddenly after years of increases of 6 and 7% the district can suddenly lop off their essential overhead.


 





 WPCNR’s Math Lab says it all depends on where the city assessment roll ends up after the record number of assessment challenges. Depending on how the City Board of Assessment Review rules on the current assessment roll, stopped for the moment at 288.4 Million,  $3.3 Million less than last year’s $291.7 Million roll. Because the Preliminary Budget announced Monday night is $1.5 Million higher, it amplifies the assessment decline by another million and change that has to be made up by the tax rate.


 


No handle on Revenues


 


The school district significantly has not estimated “revenues” yet. All they have done is look at expenses. The Assessment Roll at $288.4 Million means they are down in tax base (last year, $291.4 Million) creating a $1.6 Million revenue shortfall. They have chosen to add $1.5 Million to the budget, so they need to “find”$3.1 Million in revenue, and this is before they get the word on what state education aid will be cut.


 


Going into tonight’s meeting, WPCNR estimates that if state aid remains the same as last year, which is doubtful, the district has to make up a minimum of $3.3 Million in revenue from the taxpayers, just based on the documented assessment roll decline, prior to the assessment roll being set in stone March 2.


 


For the School District to  make up the $3.3 Million just from the drop in the Assessment, plus the $1.5 Million more in spending programs the tax rate needs to increase to $513 and change per $1,000 of assessed valuation from the current rate of $503 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.


 


This will mean for the average house assessed at $15,145 of assessed value (about a $650,000-$700,000 home) an automatic tax increase of  $166 ($7,784 compared to $7618 this year) . If your assessment is $20,000 you’re going up $220. ($10,280 compared to $10,060)


 


PROPOSED STEALTH STAR BASIC AND ENHANCED CUTS INCREASE TAX IMPACT DISCREETLY


 


 If, however the STAR BASIC and ENHANCED EXEMPTIONS are reduced 18% as planned by Governor David Paterson, your assessed value will go up – even though your assessment remains the same.


 


As WPCNR pointed out exclusively in 2008 when the legislature secretly lowered the BASIC and ENHANCED Stars to pay for increased state education aid restoration, the Governor’s office is planning this again in 2009-10. According to Assemblyman Adam Bradley, the Assembly is fighting this proposal, so at least the Assembly and presumably the State Senate know about it. They professed not to know of the 10% cut in the Basics and Enchanceds last year.


 


This year on the $650,000 to $700,000 home, should the STARs be cut 18%, this will mean your assessment goes up automatically $731 – (I know this is complicated but bare with the CitizeNetReporter here) – lowering the amount you can deduct from your assessment and therefore increasing your property tax. 


 


Here’s how it works for the $650,000 to $700,000 home if you’re under 65,  when this year you enjoyed, as did all homes in White Plains and the state, a $3,330 STAR BASIC EXEMPTION.


 


If the Governor has his way, your exemption will be cut to $2,731. Deduct this from your $18,475 Assessed Value and your assessed value is not $15,145 as it is this year, but $15,744.


 


State Taxes an Additional  $599 in Assessed Value.


 


The Bottom line  WPCNR Math Lab School Tax Calculator (pending other revenue cuts or revenue additions) then places your increased school tax at $8,092,  ($514 per $1,000 of assessed value times 15.744), this means, pending revenue projections by the school district your school tax for the $700,000 home will go from $7,618 to $8,092, a tax increase of $474.


 


If your assessment is $20,000 of assessed value it increases to $20,600 increasing your school tax to $10,588 from $10,280 – that is an extra $308 in tax – if the 18% goes through.


 


For Seniors STAR ENHANCED CUT adds $588 to their 09-10 Tax In addition


 


The impact on seniors of an 18% STAR ENHANCED CUT is brutal.


 


This year the Senior Enhanced exemptions for homeowners over 65 was $6,500. If the Governor’s program to lower the exemption floor 18% is adopted, the senior Enhanced STAR Exemption declines $1,170 to $5,330 they may deduct from your assessed value.


 


In our mythical $650,000 to $700,000 home, with an assessment of $18,475, the senior has $5,330 he or she can deduct giving them an assessed value of  $13,145. They pay a new school tax of $6,756  (13.1 times the new tax rate of $514) instead of $6,168.


 


The 18% reduction in the Enhanced STAR delivers to seniors over 65 an automatic increase of  $588 on top of the $6,152 they pay at the straight predicted $514 per thousand rate.


 


So the district residents attending tonight have to cross their fingers that the state education aid will not change (in this case, go lower).


 


Bottom line, going into the state budget deliberations for 09-10, you have to hope that STAR EXEMPTION cut gets stricken or eased somewhat, otherwise the impact will deliver a more taxing blow.


 


The Tax Impact Overall.


 


Updating the WPCNR tax outlook published last week: here is how the tax increases for each taxable authority impact the $650,000 to $700,000 homeowner in White Plains with a house assessed at $15,145 assessed value.


 


SCHOOL TAX:  $7,784


 


CITY TAX (WITH $167M BUDGET: $4,000


 


COUNTY TAX: $2,400


 


TOTAL ESTIMATED 2009-10 TAX BILL ($700,000 HOME): $14,284


 


TOTAL 2009-2009 TAX BILL: $12,600


 


 


YOUR YEAR TO YEAR TAX INCREASE: $1,684*


 


This could be reduced if the city or the school districted reduced their budgets from the School District $185.9 Million, and if the city cut their present budget from $161.7 Million, and did not roll it over to $167 Million to cover projected deficits and sales tax shortfalls. There is still time for frugal financial management by the city and the school district to lower their budget.


 


 


 

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Wholesalers Fortunes at Stake in Any Fortunoff Bankruptcy, Liquidation.

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS ECONOMY. From News reports. February 24, 2009:  Newsday  reported Tuesday quoting a bridal jewelry manufacturer that Fortunoff had given no  indication of  filing for bankruptcy  prior to a recent jewelry buying spree for its stores a month ago. The jeweler described Fortunoff “buyers” as “pushing hard as late as January to purchase jewelry for the long-planned placement of Fortunoff jewelry boutiques within Lord & Taylor stores, also owned by NRDC (Equity, Fortunoff owner).” He and other jewelers selling jewelry to Fortunoff recently stand to lose thousands if a Fortunoff liquidation is approved by the courts. The story may be found at www.newsday.com.


Newsday reports quoted Bruce Pucciarello, of Novell Enterprises, Inc., in an interview with Newsday reporter  Keiko Morris that he and other jewelers agreed to discount merchandise (to Fortunoff) and payment 60 days after receipt. He anticipates a $250,000 loss. Mr. Pucciarello voiced the opinion that other jewelry vendors, not as stable as his firm  which he said had the assets to withstand the loss, may not.


 


According to Newsday,  reporting on an auction to take bids from liquidators to handle the Fortunoff assets, onlyu one bid from two firms  for the assets of the Fortunoff chain of stores, which include the White Plains Bloomingdale Road showcase, emerged in bidding for the assets of the Fortunoff chain, owned by  NRDC Equity Partners, Inc.


 


Fortunoff  filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on February 5, and Newsday reports them “seeking a buyer to purchase the company and possibly continue operating the chain.” Newday also reports in a story by Keiko Morris today that “no potential new owners and surfaced and the company laid off about 300 workers in its corporate offices.”


 


Fortunoff filed notice of imminent layoffs with New York State two weeks ago, and in papers filed with New York State, stated the White Plains store would be closing.

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POLICE ASK YOUR HELP IN I.D.-ING STOP N SHOP BANK ROBBER– TOOK $6 Gs MONDAY

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DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS MAN? CONTACT POLICE, 914-422-6111


WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From Daniel Jackson, White Plains Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety. February 24, 2009: The White Plains Police Department is looking for some assistance identifying  a bank robbery suspect.

The attached photos are of a male subject that got about $6,000 from the Citizen’s Bank within the Stop and Shop Supermarket at 154 Westchester Ave. yesterday(2/23) morning just before 11 a.m. Subject left on foot towards Westchester Ave.

He is described as a male, medium complexion, average build, approx. 5’8″ tall, scruffy facial hair, earring in left ear, possibly early 30’s, wearing black waist length coat, tan baseball cap, blue jeans, and silver framed aviator style sunglasses.



No weapon displayed. The subject passed a note to the teller demanding money.

Anyone with information to identify this subject is asked to please call the White Plains Police Department at 914-422-6111.

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Superintendent: Prelim Budget Reduced to $185.9M from $190.3M. Layoffs Planned

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. February 23, 2009 UPDATED 10:30 A.M. EST February 24, 2009: The White Plains Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors introduced a Preliminary Budget for the 2009-2010 school year of $185.9 Million Monday night, trimming the budget through targeted layoffs and a policy of not filling retiring positions, without identifying who and how many teachers, teaching assistants, secretaries and custodians would be affected by the personnel cuts.  The budget, year to year is up  less than 1% (0.81%) from the current budget of $184.4 Million.


 



Timothy Connors, welcoming the public for the Budget Unveiling.


 


Reduction of the number of certified teachers, secretaries, teaching assistants and custodial personnel make up the bulk of the reduction and reduction in fringe benefit costs, lopping $4 Million from the previous suggested 2009-10  budget of $190.3 Million  the Superintendent submitted to the Board of Education in January.


 


The Superintendent declined at this time, in an interview to specify the total number of persons losing their positions and who they were and what their positions were. He said he had the areas for personnel cuts identified, however. The new budget was described by the superintendent as an “austerity budget,” and was described by the Assistant Superintendent of Business as the equivalent of any Contingency Budget the district would be forced to if the budget were voted down.


 





The Superintendent said that attrition, retirements and layoffs could be anticipated across ranks of Certified Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Custodians, and Secretarial Personnel to achieve a little more than half a percent reduction in salaries from $100.2 Million this year to $99.6 Million in  salaries a reduction of $607,240 in salaries for 2009-10.


 


Teacher Settlement Anticipated and Provided for in Salary/Fringe Benefit Allocation


 


He said  the $99.6 Million figure included wage increases expected as a result of any settlement achieved in the teacher-school district mediation process which resumes Thursday at 4 P.M. He said any layoffs of teaching personnel would not impact class size significantly and would maintain the class size parameters White Plains expects.


 


In an interview with WPCNR, he declined  to place a number of actual layoffs at this time, pending public reaction to the preliminary budget which the board seeks Wednesday evening from the public at a forum to be held at the high school at 7:30 P.M. He said if the public requires more cutting, the layoffs would grow, and he had identified the layoff sectors already and knew where more would come from.


 



Fred Seiler, the Assistant Superintendent for Business said the Preliminary Budget would be equal to about what a contingency budget would call for based on the subustantial decline in inflation the last six months.  He points out here that the Preliminary Budget at an increase of just 0.81% year-to-year is less or equal to any possible contingency budget the school district would be allowed to present, should the budget be defeated in voting May 19. Last year the budget increase year-to-year was 5.95%.


 


The $4,387,958 in reduction from the $190.3 Million January budget,  saw $607,240 in salaries being the biggest dollar reduction followed by a big $768,391 in “other expenses” —the bulk of which was $468,900 saved in maintenance and service contracts, followed by $88,000 cut from curriculum and staff support, $82,579 from Administrative, $50,000 from legal and $34,689 from Graduations, admissions, subscriptions.


 


BOCES services were reduced $246,156; Equipment was reduced $166,169, Tuition $393,262, Supplies by $152,589.  The budget goes up $1,491,183.


 


No comments were made as to the expected revenue from the district.


 


Mr. Connors said the district awaits the finalization of the city tax roll Monday March 2. Currently the roll is at $288.4 Million. The City Assessor expects that will decline several hundred thousand dollars up to a million dollars, when interviewed last week by WPCNR.


 



 


In the Preliminary Budget presented tonight, the Salary Forecast was cut $3.4 Million to $99.6 Million from the previous  09-10 Preliminary Budget (submitted last month) for Salaries of $103 Million.


 


Fringe Benefit costs were trimmed $1 Million from the $2.3 Million previously projected in January. $300,000 more in savings from the $190.3 Million target were achieved by $200,000 more culls in maintenance, with $100,000 from postage, contractural printing, rentals, advertising.


 



 


One new program was added, language instruction for both Middle School campuses in Italian, French, Spanish beginning in sixth grade.


 


$2.9 Million in “Other  Expenses” Escape Scythe From January Budget


 


The Superintendent did not make any cuts in the $190.3 Million budget submission involving a number of significant six-figure budgets, classified as “Other Expenses,” that total  $2.9 Million—and do not involve staff personnel, including:


 


 Joint Facilities (with City), $60,000;


Fees and Dues $3,000;


Insurance, $660,000;


Educational Support Services $775,000;


Curriculum, Staff Development Support, $225,000;


Adminstrative, $237,450;


Medical & Pyschological Services, $55,500;


Legal Services, $350,000;


Accounting & Financial Services, $170,000;


Environmental Safety, $120,000;


Software, $174,200;


Local Travel, $19,350


Conferences, $60,000


Sewer Tax, $260,000


 


None of the above categories escaped further cuts. The bulk of the $4.3 Million decrease falls on the teachers, teaching assistants, custodians, secretaries. To be fair, insurance, legal services, and sewer tax may of course not be available to cut.


 


Fred Seiler said that the district has saved substantially on contributions to the teacher and New York State employees retirement funds (down $65,465 and $220,645 respectively), but cautioned that the hemorrhaging of the stock market this year will result in a substantial increase in those two categories next year because there is a one year lag in contribution adjustments based on state retirement fund performance.


 


Included in the budget was a new $598,000 for additional language courses beginning in sixth grade in the middle school — the only new program.


 


A total of  $200,000 was cut from Summer Enrichment Programs including the much-touted Emerging Scholars program for grooming minority youth for advanced placement classes.


 


The complete list of Summer Enrichment Programs that have been eliminated at the present time:


Enrichment summer classes 2-4 for 101 students


Enrichment summer classes 5-7 for 107 students


Enrichment summer classes 8-11 for 179 students


Emerging Scholars Institute for 28 students

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White Plains Prop Tax Increase On Track to Balloon Over $1,000.

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. February 23, 2009 UPDATED 4:12 P.M.: Last week, the City Finance Commissioner, (exclusively reported by WPCNR), told the Common Council the city was projecting at this time a revenue shortfall of possibly $11 Million in the current budget year. That in itself is stunning news considering the city pronounced nervously on target three months ago.


 


This report is not in any way an attempt to pick on the city, but even this simple calculator analysis by the WPCNR Math Lab,  reveals  the ghastly money pit the city and the school district are now freefalling into.  An analysis of simple tax mechanics shows the dramatic significance of tonight’s School Board introduction of the Preliminary Budget.


 



 


If the school district does not deliver a budget the same as this year – the property tax burden soars on Mr. and Mrs. And Ms. White Plains to over $14,000  for school, city and county property taxes — on the average home and higher if your home value is over $700,000.


 


 The meeting to pay attention to is tonight at the Board of Education, 5 Homeside Lane, 7:30. 


 


The outgoing Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors is expected to announce a Preliminary School Budget, which is currently sitting at $190.3 Million, when the other city tax guillotine will fall on city taxpayers’ collective necks. The more your home is assessed, the more you will pay –thousands more and that is just in one year.  If the school budget is not at least $1.2 Million less than this year’s budget, the typical home of assessed value of $15,000 will be forced into a $2,000 and up tax increase.





WPCNR observes, (as reported on White Plains Week, our television show Friday evening, you may see it tonight at 7:00 on FIOS TV 45 or Cablevision Public Access Channel 76/,  that if your home is worth from $650,000 to $700,000 – if the city deficit holds, and the School District does not get the budget down below this year’s budget of $184.4 Million – you face a $1,800 tax increase from the school district, city and county combined. If your home is assessed based on a value over $700,000 you’re paying a lot more.


 



 


If the city is not high balling the deficit to make a point with the unions, whose contracts all run out in June,  the city will have to make that $11 Million up from its undesignated fund balance dropping its rainy day fund to below $20 Million. The fund balance will not be available to fill the $11 Million money hole created by the bottom dropping out of Mortgage Taxes, Building Permits, and sales tax erosion suddenly gripping the city. Slide by White Plains Week


 


Strategies of what to do in “crafting” the 2009-2010 budget, with that $11 Million shortfall likely —  due to continued softness in sales tax collections —  have to consider a whopper of a city tax rate increase if city spending continues at the same rate.


 


 


WPCNR Projects the City Property Tax Would Rise 33%.


 


Let’s take a look. As the legendary City Executive Officer George Gretsas, architect of the White Plains Renaissance in the first years of this decade,  once told this reporter,  for every $1 Million of budget increase you have to increase property tax 3%.


 


If the city does not cut its $161.7 Million 2008-09 budget for 2009-2010, you are still going to have to allow for the no building permits and license fees, the eroding mortgage tax, and soft sales tax shortfalls going forward. The decline has no end in sight, especially with major big box retailers rumored, in addition to Fortunoff to be closing 


 


The city is going to have to fund the current union wages somehow at the present rate – funded by revenue that the city last week is telling us is just not there.


 


Do not forget the Common Council refused the police and fire unions a 3.75% increase in December, perhaps politically motivated at the time, but obviously in retrospect, a thoughtful decision by the Common Council, no matter what their motive.  


 



 


But, you are going to have to do something with the unions, whether the demands for wages are dictated by mediation, arbitration or fact-finding, and the only way to do that, (short of state aid of some mechanism, or another ¼% increase in the sales tax urgently requested in a letter from the Civil Service Employees Association in a letter to the Mayor, putting the pressure on Assemblypersons Adam Bradley and Amy Paulin and State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer) is to increase the city property tax. The CSEA has been without a contract since June of 2008. The Police, Fire and Teamsters unions contracts expire in June.


 


Because, do not forget, city hall has to pay the unions, the commissioners and the expenses at this year’s rates any way in 2009-10 – with according to the projection, $11 Million less in revenue. How is it going to do that?


 


City Hall will have to do that because apparently it has not cut substantially to reduce the $11 Million deficit the Commissioner of Finance expects this year.


 


No detailed department-by-department list of cuts was issued by the city Thursday evening. The Mayor said in December he was seeking $4 Million in cuts.


 


So far that list of cuts has not appeared, despite repeated requests by the media. Now, they do not have to give it to the media, but they should at least have furnished it to the Common Council Thursday, and the Council strangely has not asked for it.  How much of the $4 Million has been realized and ponied up in actual city cuts?


 


Using that yardstick of 3% property tax for every $1 Million in spending and assuming the sales tax  trend continues its sluggish pace,  the sales tax collection is not going to meet the $45 Million projected revenue. WPCNR notes it should hit $43 Million at the present rate of decline in retail sales, computed by WPCNR to be 14%


 


Mayor Pleads with Landlords to not Gouge Businesses.


 


Mayor Joseph Delfino is well aware of the cascading malaise in the White Plains retail sector. In an interview on News12 over the weekend he pleaded with landlords in the White Plains downtown not to raise rents on retail tenants and called for the landlords to be flexible and work with tenants so they will not have to close.


 



 


 


The Commissioner of Finance reported Thursday, the city is down $2 Million in Mortgage Recording Tax; $600,000 in Charges for Services; $1.5 Million in Licenses and Permits; $1 Million in Fines and Forfeitures; and $2.3 Million in miscellaneous – the deferred payment for the municipal parking lot postponed indefinitely because it is payable after LCOR builds the 55 Bank Street project, not even started yet.


 


When you include projected sales tax shortfall of $4 million based on the current rate of retail sales being down 12% (in the holiday quarter just completed), the city could be facing an $11 Million deficit if they keep the city budget where it is ($161.7M)


 


If union contracts are settled at 1, 2 or 3% (by negotiation, an arbitrator, or whatever it takes, and city has no other sources of income, “one-shots,” state aid or whatever),  a 33% tax increase is what the city may face. 


 


In the following chart we take the $650,000 to $700,000 White Plains home, which currently pays $2,724 in city property tax. If the city tax rate must increase 33% (3 x 11, figuring 3% increase for every $1 Million you need to collect) then your city property tax on a $650-$700,000 home goes up $899 to $3,623 as opposed to $2,724 this year almost a thousand dollars. If your assessed value is more than $15,000 that year to year increase, of course, will be more.


 



 


Now, that’s only possible if the city budget remains at  the $161.7M spending level. 


 


Say, the city based on union settlements by arbitration, mediation, fact-finding or election year largesses decides to lift expenditures say 4%. Then the city property tax increases proportionately.


 


 You have to make up the $11 Million revenue shortfall in current income next year PLUS another $6 Million in budget, because the fund balance will be for all intents and purposes be too low to touch.


 


The city fund balance, sitting on $28 Million last April will be depleted by the $11 Million shortfall projected last week – which was supposed to come from projected revenues that are not materializing.


 


 The city has to make up that revenue in 2009-2010 since undesignated fund balance will sink to $17 Million if the dire prediction of last Thursday comes true, and the city appears reluctant to snatch more of that.


 


 The city notes in the 2008-2009 budget, “The City’s largest percentage increase in the tax rate (14.4%) for Fiscal Year 1992-1993 occurred after fund balance fell to a low $10.4 Million.” So it would be unlikely for the city to just run out more undesignated fund balance in 2009-2010 in the face of the economy meltdown on recently demonstrated retail sales softening.


 


Increase of 4% in city budget for 2009-10 hits the $650,000-$700,000 home with a $4,000 city property tax.


 


So say the city budget increases 4%, then the $650,000-$700,000 home city tax has to increase 51% to cover the extra $6 Million in change added to the budget. That works out to $1,377, lifting the tax from 2008-09’s $2724 to a staggering $4,101. That is stunning, but that’s the math.


 


 


 


Let’s look at the sobering numbers:


 


If as City Assessor Lloyd Tasch estimates the $288.4 Million City Tax Roll declines $500,000  to $1 Million considering the doubling of the number of assessment challenges he and the Board of Assessment Review are working through, the school board has to cut the budget starting out from this year’s $184,4 Million. If the budget is raised to only $188 Million, then the tax rate goes to $530/M up from this year’s $503/M


 


Why? They are already facing a revenue shortfall since their assessment roll is down from the $291.7 Million of this year.The district, like the city has to play catch up money ball due to the assessment erosion before they even begin to add money for salaries (currently in mediation), new programs ($500,000 being proposed) and the last bond sale for $16 Million for the balance of the $66.7 Million capitol project, (contract bids have been received).


 


School Tax, City and County Tax Pushing $15,000 on the $650,000 home


 


As the chart shows below if the School District settles at the $188 Figure the burden takes the White Plains median home over the $4,000 property tax level.


 



 


 

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Who Wants to Be A Common Councilperson? Democratics Seek Resumes for third Seat

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WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. Special to WPCNR February 23, 2009 UPDATED 11:07 P.M.: The Democratics are looking for new blood in the city, interested in running for the Common Council. Presently, Tom Roach, the incumbent councilperson is assumed to be the nominee for one of the Council seats up in November, David Buchwald appears to be the frontrunner for seat number two, being vacated by twenty year Councilperson Rita Malmud, but the third seat on the council ticket is wideopen. The Democratic party welcomes resumes from persons 18 and up, residents of White Plains and Registered Democrats, of course to be considered seriously. Though not being a Democrat doesn’t necesarily rule you out.


Interviews of possible “Councilperson-wanna-be’s”  are expected to start March 3, according to Zelle Andrews, Chair of the Nominating Committee. Candidates should send in their resume, a statement of what they would bring to the table and why they wish to run for council, according to Ms. Andrews. They may fax the material to Ms.Andrews at 914-686-6977 or drop the material off at her building at 10 Stewart Place. Recommendations are expected to be made by the Nominating Committee April 4.


Liz Schollenberger of the White Plains City Democratic Committee issued this statement to the media late Monday evening:


The Nominating Committee of the White Plains Democratic City Committee  will be meeting soon to make recommendations of candidates for local public office.  These recommendations will be made to the full City Committee, which will vote later in the spring to endorse candidates.    The local offices for which the committee will be making recommendations are


 

 Mayor of White Plains  (seat now held by Joe Delfino)

 

Three Common Council seats  (those seats now held by Council Members Tom Roach, Rita Malmud, and Glen Hockley.)   Mrs.  Malmud has announced that she will not seek re-election.

 

Two seats on the County Legislature (those seats now held by County Legislators Lois Bronz and Bill Ryan.)

 

“We’re looking for White Plains Democrats with a demonstrated interest in the future of White Plains, potential candidates who are enthusiastic, intelligent problem-solvers, eager to work as a member of a team with other elected officials and with community residents and groups,”  said Liz Shollenberger, the chair of the City Democrats.   

 

Anyone interested in being considered for the City Committee’s endorsement for these positions should contact Zelle Andrews, the Chair of the Nominating Committee by March  16, but sooner is better.  Potential candidates should send her a resume and a brief statement of  interest.   Such potential candidates should confirm by phone her receipt of the material.   Contact information: 10 Stewart Place, White Plains, NY 10603 e-mail: zelle5@optonline.net  Phone:  686-6970     Fax:  686-6977    Material addressed to her can be dropped with the front desk at 10 Stewart Place.

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George Washington–America’s First Leader and Best

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WPCNR RETROSPECTIVE. By John F. Bailey. (Reprinted from the CitizeNetReporter, 2003): It is George Washington’s Birthday again. The time when we remember the first leader and the best. It is instructive to look at our first leader, George Washington, the father of our nation.  


One cannot help be reminded of the snowy winter at Valley Forge, when the bedraggled, poorly equipped rebel army suffered but held together, and attacked the Hessians in Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776, crossing the Delaware River at night. What kind of man was he that George Washington could inspire his troops against all odds?

Washington was a man of tremendous character. Where did he get this character? He specialized in self-control at an early age.

 


 




 


Reenacters Marching to Raise Old Glory at Purdy House in Honor of George Washington’s Birthday. Photo, 2003 WPCNR News Archive.

According to The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written, Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not whwn others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop;…Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

The character sketch provided by the authors of The American President, this personal “rulebook” was a book that Washington wrote over the years and referred to it often, “for self-control, to avoid temptation, to elude greed, to control his temper. Reputation was everything to him. It had to do with his strength, his size, his courage, his horsemanship, his precise dress, his thorough mind, his manners, his compassion. He protected that reputation at any cost.”


 



Honor Guard Strikes the Colors to a Drum Roll. Photo, WPCNR News.




Earning respect by example. Quelling rebellion with a few words.

Washington inspired by example. He lived with his troops. He shared hardships with them, and so much was there respect for him that he was able to talk them out of armed rebellion at the end of the American Revolution. Washington had been asked by the army to join them to overthrow the Continental Congress, and make himself King.

Washington had been asked by one of the officers of the rebels to join them, and he wrote them,

You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Banish these thoughts from your mind.

Hearing that the rebels who were planning insurrection against the new country due to not having been paid by the Continental Congress, Washington rode to Newburgh, New York, on March 15, 1783, to meet with the dissident insurgents. Washington spoke to the rebellious group, saying,

“Gentlemen, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country; as I never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses…it can scarcely be supposed …that I am indifferent to your interests. But…this dreadful alternative, of either deserting our Country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turning our Arms against it…has something so shocking in it that humanity revolts from the idea…I spurn it, as every Man who regards liberty…undoubtedly must.”

The would-be rebels fell silent, digesting what he had said. Then Washington withdrew a letter from Congress, but could not read the text, withdrawing some eyeglasses from his tunic, remarking,

“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

The men present were reported to have tears in their eyes at this gesture of Washington’s and abandoned their plot out of respect for their leader.

Washington retired from the military, surprising the entire new country. His action surprised King George III of England, who was astonished that Washington had refused to hold on to his military authority and use it for political or financial gain. The defeated King of England, remarked, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.”




Seeker of Diverse Views

As President, George Washington invented the Presidential Cabinet, whom he referred to as “the first Characters,” persons who possessed the best reputations in fields and areas of the jobs he was filling. Washington said on political appointments, “My political conduct and nominations must be exceedingly circumspect. No slip into partiality will pass unnoticed…”

Washington tolerated the relentless clashes between Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, but lectured them on the necessity for tolerance and moving beyond partisanship:


 


 “I believe the view of both of you are pure, and well meant. Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States, Men…who have no sinister view to promote, are to be found, some on one side, some on the other…should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other? I have great esteem for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk.”

The Constitution Should be Protected

When George Washington left office after two terms, he made a farewell address which warned future generations of Americans about foreign entanglements and partisanship in the republic:

I shall carry to my grave the hope that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the Constitution may be sacredly maintained; and that free government…the ever favorite object of my heart…will be the happy reward of our mutual cares, labors and dangers.”

Washington died in 1800, three years after leaving office in 1797. He was saluted on the floor of congress as being “First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”



The Jacob Purdy House where George Washington planned strategy at  the Battle of White    Plains, at a celebrationhosted by the White Plains Historical Society. Photo, WPCNR News Archive




Note: The American President By Philip B. Kunhardt, Jr., Philip B. Kunhardt III, and Peter W. Kunhardt (Riverhead Books. Penguin-Putnam, Inc.,1999) is the source for this information on George Washington.


This article originally appeared in The CitizeNetReporter in 2003.

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Meshuggah Nuns Are Here to Save the Day! Henny Youngman With a Rosary!

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WPCNR ON THE AISLE. Theatrical Review by John F. Bailey. February 22, 2009 UPDATED :


 


What do you get when you pick up a Jewish Toad?   The answer lies at the end of this crack review by your loyal reviewer, as soon as I finish this gin gimlet and whack this out, I’m already way past deadline.


 


 Yes, realtors, Wall Streeters, homeowners, landlords, retirees and the newly unemployed — just when all is looking bleak: Westchester staring Mr. Depression in the face, Wall Street ganiffs down to their last billion, when even the Federal Reserve doesn’t understand credit default and derivitives (they’re swindles)  and working people down to our last quarter to park in White Plains for 15 minutes — you need a good cruise — but, Oyvay, can’t afford it.  


 


Well, the  MeshuggaNuns – a habit all over the world for 26 years —  are holding a laugh, chuckle, smirk-a-thon nightly at sea docking at  Westchester Broadway Theatre.


 



 


All Aboard! The Mesuggah Nuns want to take you on a sea cruise! Reverend Mother (Bonnie Lee),(lower right) Sister Robert Anne (Deborah Del Mastro, Back row right) from good old Brooklyn USA, Sister Mary Paul (the world’s silliest nun, Jeanne Tinker, back row far left) and Sister Mary Hubert (Bambi Jones, front row left) bring you the innocent laughs of the past . That’s “Sarah Palin-sound-alike-look-alike” Cruise Director Melody Joy Lapidus (played beyond Tina Fey by Stephanie Wahl, second from left, back row), The Captain, (Ron Rogel) and Tevye (David Edwards, front Center) All Photo Actualities Courtesy, WBT, by John Vecchiola.


 


The humor is downright corny, delivering good old entertainment from days gone by when you went out looking for laughs, to get your mind off trouble, even when you knew it was silly and you didn’t have to think, just laugh til you plotz.



MOOOOOOO—-MOOOOOOOO! We’re setting sail on a sea cruise, aboard the S.S. Golden Delicious, on a “Faith of All Nations” ecumenical cruise. Unfortunately, the cast of Fiddler on the Roof  the professional troop scheduled to perform for the cruise passengers, have all gotten seasick except for Dave Edwards who plays the lead Tevye (of Fiddler on the Roof).


 


But all is not lost – Cruise Director  “WBT’s Sarah Palin” – at least Melody Joy Lapidus, the shapely Cruise Director, (wearing the tightest white skirt you’ll ever see, filled smartly by Stephanie Wahl), who looks like Ms. Palin, sounds like Ms. Palin, (and delivers a lot better) has good news for us.


 


 For two hours nightly the rest of the cruise, the laughs are back – with food! 


 


The laughs are corny, creaky, punny, preposterous, plays-on-words,  endearing, charming, bad, naughty, delivered by comediennes in habits. You’ll chuckle, giggle, promise yourself you won’t laugh at these stupid, bad silly jokes. You’ll roll-your-eyes, groan at the clunkers,  shake-your-head, I-don’t-believe-I’m seeing-this, I-don’t-believe-they-said-that, and laugh. 


 


There’s jokes that fly, jokes that flop, old jokes, dumb jokes, smart jokes, double-entendres, whoppers, mentally excruciating puns. You’ll learn to laugh again, I guarantee it.


 


It’ll come out of you slow at first. Sometimes the cruise gets becalmed. Some of the numbers aren’t exactly Broadway anthems. But, never fear,  the Little Sisters from Hoboken always have a joke or two, they always have a joke or two.


 


 From the big ocean liner whistle to the nautical p.a. system announcements (if you’ve ever cruised, you know what those announcements sound like) and you  can’t afford to go on a cruise this year – The Golden Delicious sets sail nightly with a floor show that is well, flooring.


 



 


After Sarah Palin, the Cruise Director, no, I’m sorry that’s Melody Joe Lapidus, played by Stephanie Wahl, informs us that the ship’s captain has prevailed on the Little Sisters to work with  Tevye, the lead in the sea-sicked sidelined Fiddler on the Roof  production played by David Edwards. The mismatched entertainers decide  to adlib and put together a show for the ecumenicals in the imaginary cruise ship audience.  The Sisters and Edwards, start this show of “the unexpected” with Anchors Aweigh. The Sisters mix their Catholic heritage with Tvye’s Jewish heritage to examine the nuances of both traditions. They explore guilt  in the song “Contrition,” which brought laughter of recognition from the audience. 


 



 


Something completely different:  Sister Amnesia’s magic act, where JeanneTinker (center) channels Goldie Hawn so cleverly – winning over the real life audience, which is understandably somewhat skeptical after the bizarre spectacle of the nuns and Tevye waving flags to Anchors Aweigh. Ms. Tinker also pays homage to Karnak The Magnificent (the Johnny Carson creation) with a perfectly played “mentalist” schtick, in which she engages the audience.


 


Understanding the revue format.


 


True to the tradition of the revue entertainment format—the show lurches from gimmick to song – to introspection. Meshuggah Nuns hits with some bits—missing horridly with others – and occasionally draws laughs  just from the bizarre directions this astonishing work – a work that Bialystock & Bloom might produce –rolls along.


 


There’s the Potchky Polka.  There’s the optimistic self-parody by Sister Amnesia singing a country song, “I’m always missing the boat, but my ship keeps coming In”


 



 


Reverend Mother entertains as Sophie Tucker (the first great vaudeville star) where Bonnie Lee swings her ample hips – singing“My Fat is My Fortune” that drops the audience’s jaws at the flamboyance, the audaciousness, and her silliness. If you do not like silly, dopey humor that relies on the understanding that you are supposed to laugh, you may be disappointed.


 


The Little Sisters from Hoboken save the smorgasboard of a First Act with a spectacular number – they include a traditional “show within a show” a staple in any  turn-of-the-century revue show. The Nuns and Mr. Edwards present a spoof of sea disaster –  Das Boat. 


 


Its preposterous staging brings down the house with dazed you-just-gotta-guffaw laughter that rings of incredulity at what they  have just seen. You have to see it to believe it. The madcap zany Das Boat  combines Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, complete with nun-eating giant squid; The Poseiden Adventure with the boat well, you know, capsizing; and Jaws featuring a nun-connoisseur great white shark, and Titanic in one 10-minute sequence.


 


After being exhausted by this madcap deranged scenario reprising every sea disaster movie, I regretted not ordering one of  Westchester Broadway Theatre’s new Luxury Desserts like Mocha Layer Cake among other custom prepared delicacies to regain my reviewer’s demanding demeanor.


 


The Das Boat sequence leaves you breathless, stunned, flabergasted, drained, dazed at the audacity, the stupidity,  the over-the-top, over-do-it comedy reminiscent of a Jerry Lewis pratfall marathon that will have you wondering as you reach for the layer cake, what just happened here.


 


Das Boat rivals the man-eating plant scenes in WBT’s  Little Shop of Horrors. Watching the nuns swim on stage will make an economist laugh.


 


On to the Second Act! There’s more!


 


The Second Act rolls along, lurches into amazing juxtapositions like any good revue – retaining just the feel of a “winged” show that the Sisters are making up with Tevye as they go along. It works!


 


Sister Robert Anne (Deborah Del Mastro) and Tevye (Edwards) deliver a charming duet A Love Like This, where each reminisces about how they love theatre: Tevye towards a girl he once knew, and Sister Robert Anne, Her Guy, (The Lord).


 


Next, it’s time for a little 40s! The Sisters spoof the Jewish American Princess image with an Andrews Sisters number, Three Shayna Maidels – that’s a real toe-tapper, synchronized in typical Andrews Sisters shuffle and spin, (including hairdos) where  they describe the ideal mensch every shayna maidel is looking to find. This show gives all a great chance to brush up on your Yiddish! 


 


 



 


Shades of Jackie Gleason’s Mother Fletcher’s Retail Shop!


 


 Reverend Mother and Tevye offer some very funny duty free items especially Matzo balls which are celebrated by the Nuns singing Matzo Matzo Man.


 


Yes, in Mesuggah Nuns you see all of what you’d like to see, and some of what you’d rather not see, folks.


 


The message of this show is that laughter helps you get through life. This, by the way, WBT publicistette, Pia Haas says is the world’s most beloved traveling order,  The Little Sisters of Hoboken  — those missionaryettes of yucks have been on the road for 26 years– one of the most prolific and longest running musical revues in the world according to Ms. Haas liner notes provided the distinguished members of the press, (even the not so distinguished reviewers like yours truly.)


 


A remembrance of things past.


 


MeshugahNuns brings back a time of simpler entertainment at the first decade of the twentieth century that would get you through life for awhile – the revue that includes a little bit of everything to try and please everybody.  With your prime rib, fish, or pasta, you get  two hours of a trip down memory lane of old jokes and new (the Henny Youngman jokebook is liberally borrowed from), plus there’s a little ecumenical Laugh-In, complete with a “NunWall,”  a little Loveboat, a little Henny Youngman on a rosarie.


 


It’s complete with my favorite, the puppet,  Sister Mary Annette – manipulated adroitly, hilariously by  the unpredictable Sister Amnesia, the Goldie Hawn “ditz-alike,” Jeanne Tinker.   Sister Mary Annette is a raunchy puppet  (through which Sister Amnesia lets her dark side out.  This show Sister Mary Annette the puppet delivers a sultry Mae West  singing Come on Up and See Me Sometime –  complete with rim-shot patter.


 


Sample of Sister Mary Annette’s puppet deadpan humor: “Someone asked me if I smoked in bed,”


 


“I said, I don’t know, I never looked.”


 


MeshuggahNuns brings the Golden Delicious into port with a rousing funny second act, and as you disembark from the S.S. Golden Delicious – you’ll leave with the laughs and feel good for awhile. At least, until March 21 at the WBT when it makes way for Funny Girl. The Box Office is 914-592-2222. For more information, go to the WBT website, www.broadwaytheatre.com.


 


 Now,  ladies and gentlemen,  as promised, before you disembark the SS. Golden Delicious…


 


What do you get when you pick up a Jewish Toad?


 


“Schwartz!”


 


 Of course!


 


(Rim-shot!)


 


 


 

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The Board of Education Report

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From The White Plains City School District. February 22, 2009:  The Clerk to the Board of Education released the following report on last week’s Board of Education proceeding in which Dr. Christopher Clouet was hired to be the new Superintendent of Schools, replacing Timothy Connors as of July 1:


The Report:



 


     NEW SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTED:  Dr. Christopher P. Clouet was appointed Superinten-


     dent of Schools, with a four-year-contract to begin July 1st.  Board President Donna McLaughlin


     said this is a bittersweet time, anticipating the retirement of Mr. Connors after a very successful


     term in which the district made great strides.  Mrs. McLaughlin that after a long search, the Board


     is very excited to be bringing Dr. Clouet here.  She said the consultants, Hazard, Young, Attea &


     Associates, did a great job and Board Vice President Terry McGuire commented that the process


     was excellent.  After a site visit to Dr. Clouet’s current district, New London, CT, and his visit here


     for a day, Mrs. McLaughlin said it was apparent that the district had chosen well.  Dr. Clouet said


     he is very honored and excited to be coming here and looks forward to the challenge. 


 


Budget Comes Out Tomorrow


 


     SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:  In an update on the budget, Mr. Connors said that since the


     Board has requested further cuts (from the $190.3 Million “first pass” on the budget), he has asked for additional time to prepare a preliminary version. 


     He will present this at the February 23rd Board Meeting, to be followed by a Community Forum on


     February 25th.  All comments will be considered and the budget will be finalized for adoption by


     the Board on March 30th.


 


Achievement Gap Authority to Speak


 


            Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lenora Boehlert invited everyone to a program on March 3rd  at


     3:45 P.M. in the Highlands Auditorium, featuring Dr. Pedro Noguera, an authority on closing the


     achievement gap.  Dr. Boehlert said Dr. Noguera is a dynamic speaker with a powerful message. 


            Dr. Boehlert also led a Career Fair last Saturday at which 350 applicants were interviewed by


     20 administrators from the district.


 


     PERSONNEL:  Resignations for the purpose of retirement were accepted from:  Rosalyn Weiner,


     Secretary, Education House; Michael Angiuli, Industrial Arts Teacher, Middle School-Highlands;


     Elizabeth Calabro, Family & Consumer Science Teacher, Middle School-Eastview;  Lois


     Chanofsky, Science Teacher, High School; F. Thomas Eaton, Jr., House Administrator, High


     School; Philip Feinberg, Special Education Teacher, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Sandra


     Harrison, Special Education Teacher, Alternative & Supplementary Programs; Joyce Krauss,  


     Elementary Education Teacher (Grade 6 Science), Middle School-Highlands; Mona E. Levy,


     Special Education Teacher, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Karen Mishkin, Reading Teacher,   


     Middle School-Highlands; Nicholas Panaro, Coordinator of Athletics, Districtwide; and Marcia


     Schupper, Elementary Education Teacher, Ridgeway School.


 


     DONATIONS:  The Board accepted a donation of $1,650 from The Foundation for Public Education


     in White Plains, Inc. to be used for the Academic Team trip to the national competition.


 


     MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE PROGRAM:  Upon direction from the Curriculum Committee to


     explore expansion of this program, Dr. Margaret Dwyer presented a proposal for two options, adding


     LOTE (Languages Other Than English) instruction in 7th or both 6th and 7th grade at Highlands.  (This is


     currently offered to Eastview students.)  Both options are based on a nine-period day and a change in the


     daily schedule which would add transportation costs.  The Board authorized Mr. Connors to include the


     second option in the budget.  Mrs. McLaughlin noted that fiscal prudence does not preclude new


     programs.  The Board is trying to move the district forward and spend wisely.


 


     RECOGNITION:  Mr. Connors congratulated White Plains High School for being named as one of 10


     higher-performing high schools in a study by the School of Education at the University of Albany.  The


     study stated our students “consistently outperform students in schools with comparable demographics.”


 


     CAPITAL PROJECT:  Assistant Superintendent for Business Fred Seiler provided an update on the


     capital project and said that, at the halfway point, the financial situation looks very good.  The Board


     approved a contract with Kaeyer Garment & Davidson Architects for additional work as part of the


     filter replacement project at the High School pool. 


The Board also approved about $6 million in infrastructure work, including general construction,


     HVAC and electrical work at seven buildings.  This is part of the capital project approved by the voters


     in 2006.  Peter Bassano pointed out that the project falls within the Wicks Law and Mr. Seiler estimated


     that the cost will be 10-15% more as a result.


 


     PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:   Several people spoke as advocates for the Newcomer Center and urged


     that funds be maintained for this unique and vital program.  Speakers were Isabel Villar, Director of 


     Centro Hispano; John Deyle, parent of a former student in the program; and High School student


     Monserat Galeno.


                 White Plains Teachers Association President Kerry Broderick said there are continued concerns


     regarding the budget and about spending for consultants.      


                 Augie Zicca urged fiscal prudence and a 0% tax increase.  He suggested cuts in administrative


     positions, establishment of an independent citizens review board, and postponement of tax certiorari


     payments until funds are available.


 


     UPCOMING MEETINGS:             February 23:     Special Meeting, Education House, 7:30 P.M.


                                                                                                Preliminary Budget


                                                            February 25:     Special Meeting, High School B-1 Room, 7:30 P.M.


                                                                                                Community Forum on the Budget


                                                            March 9:          Regular Meeting, Education House 7:30 P.M.


 


 


 


           


    

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Mayor’s Taxi Committee Recos New Stands; High Gypsy Cab Fines; Central Dispatch

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WPCNR THE TAXI NEWS. By John F. Bailey. February 21, 2009: The Common Council was offered a draft of the Recommendations of the White Plains Taxi Industry Review Committee Thursday evening. The Common Council reserved comment with plans to hold considerable discussion on the measures that if adopted will change the ad hoc, loosely administered, and much publicly maligned taxi industry in White Plains.


 



The Traditional White Plains Taxi Chaos — Note Taxis in queue (yellow vehicles) — August 2007. WPCNR News Photo Archive


 


The measures of key interest recommend taxi stands be established at the Westchester Mall, Fortunoff, Wal-Mart (on Main Street), and City Center with bus shelters as taxi stands when buses end their runs for the day;  Parking Officer jurisdiction over non-White Plains taxi drivers’ unauthorized use of taxi stands and a $1,600 fine for each interloping taxi caught using a taxi stand illegally; Sale of medallions at auction to drivers using alternative fuel vehicles; A deadline for all licensed drivers to switch to alternative fuel taxis; An “800” Number dispatch system; and a metered system with base fare beginning at $5, and a “uniform” look to all cabs.


 


Melissa Lopez, Director of Economic Development and Coordinator of Public Information, Chairperson of the Taxi Industry Review Committee issued a copy of the Committee recommendations to WPCNR:


 


 


The White Plains Taxi Industry Advisory Committee was formed in February 2008 to discuss changes to the taxi ordinance in order to create a more customer friendly taxi service.   Residents and visitors to the City of White Plains often complained to the Mayor’s Office, Office of Public Safety and the White Plains Business Improvement District about the appearance of taxicabs, the ambiguity of fares, and the treatment received by taxi drivers.  Commuters complained of discourteous drivers who often times decline to take their fares and drivers who refuse to leave the station with one passenger as they prefer four passengers in their vehicle.  The committee was asked to review current practices by taxi drivers and to review the ordinance which was written in 1969.


            Upon review of the ordinance and discussions with taxi drivers, the Public Safety Department, the Traffic Department and the public, the committee has made the following recommendations:


 



  1. A review of current taxi stands by the Traffic Commission must take place.  The Taxi Industry Review Committee recommends that stands be placed near the Westchester Mall, Fortunoff, Wal-Mart and City Center.  Another consideration is to use bus shelters as taxi stands after busses stop running.

 



  1. Signage for the various taxicab stands in the city should be visible and easily identifiable to the public. 

 



  1. Parking Enforcement Officers should be given the authority to fine non-White Plains taxi drivers who use the City of White Plains’ taxi stands.  The fine shall also be strictly enforced by the Courts.  If possible, explicit language should be written in the ordinance that does not allow for a reduction of fines.

 



  1. The Public Safety Department should incorporate training about the taxi industry in regular police officer training.

 



  1. The Public Safety Department should have more than one officer as liaison to the taxi drivers.

 



  1. Taxicabs without City of White Plains medallions should not be allowed to pick up passengers within city limits or use taxi stands.  Fines should be increased for non-White Plains drivers illegally picking up passengers.  (ie. $1,600.00 fine if caught using White Plains taxi stand)

 



  1. Taxi companies from neighboring communities should be notified of new fines for the violation and compliance regulations. 

 


 



  1. The City of White Plains should make a number of medallions available to be sold in an auction to licensed taxi drivers who own alternative fuel vehicles for taxi purposes.  The taxi ordinance should be amended to include a section defining alternative fuel vehicles and the auction process.

 



  1. The City should set a date for taxi drivers to switch over to alternative fuel vehicles. 

 



  1. Alternative fuel vehicles that can are appropriate for taxi purposes are the hybrid versions of the Ford Escape, Nissan Altima, and Chevy Malibu. (insert EPA classification)

 


 



  1. All taxicabs should have the rates and medallion numbers on the driver side door and the front passenger door.  The taxicab company logo should be on both sides of the vehicle on the back passenger doors and on the hood and trunk of the vehicle.  Medallions need to be visible to the public. 

 



  1. The City of White Plains should create a rider education program and conduct a survey of Metro North passengers who ride on White Plains taxi’s about their experiences with taxicab drivers.

 



  1. A “1-800” number should be created for riders to dispatch taxi drivers to their location. 

 


 



  1. The City of White Plains taxicab service should switch to a metered system by a specified date.  Base fare should start at $5.00. 

 



  1. Prior to switching to a metered system, the minimum taxi fare should be changed to $5.00

 



  1. The City of White Plains Taxi Ordinance should allow for cameras to be placed in taxicabs

 



  1. Taxicabs should be outfitted to incorporate the use of brail and/or audio information access in all vehicles

 



  1. Taxi drivers should use a standard uniform White Plains taxi receipt approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety.

 



  1. Taxi company dispatchers should maintain a log of all calls that come into the office; the log should say when the calls are coming in, to what location and who has the call been dispatched to.

 



  1. The proposed fee changes should be made to the ordinance:

–          Renewal Fee should include the fee for two random inspections at $250.  This should be a yearly fee.


–          The transfer fee for anyone purchasing a medallion should change from $70 to $500. 


–          Taxi hack license fee should be changed to $50.


–          The fee for a driver switching companies or vehicle should be changed from $25 to $50.


–          The fee for replacing a button or license should be changed from $10 to $25.


–          Taxi drivers not in compliance with the taxi ordinance should be fined $250.


 



  1. The taxi ordinance should be changed to:

–          Clearly state that the Traffic Commission is the authority that decides where taxi stands are placed in the CITY OF WHITE PLAINS and that the commission decides where to place signs and wording of signage


–          Define the rates charged under the metered system if and when the system is put into the place


–          Explicitly state the repercussions (fines) that will take place if a customer complains about being overcharged.


–          Encourage the use of advertising inside vehicles and allow types of advertising used in other communities.


–          Emphasize enforcement. 


–          Establish fines that discourage current abuses in the system. 


–          Vary the types of vehicles that can be used as cabs such as, sedans, SUV’s and/or minivan’s.


–          Specify emissions standards for taxicab vehicles.


–          Create a uniform taxi system.  All vehicles should be taxis –not cars for hire or liveries. 


–          Require taxicabs to accept senior citizen rate cards and provide a discount.


–          Clearly state that taxi drivers should refrain from using their cell phones while a customer is in the vehicle


 



  1.  The City of White Plains Taxi Ordinance should adopt components of the WCTLC ordinance.

 


 


 


 


 

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