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Newark passes budget In public session on Tuesday night, Mayor Fred Pirelli and the board opened up for comments about the proposed 1999-2000 village budget. However, before the public had a chance to speak, Pirelli explained some details about the budget process both now and in the past. Pirelli said that in previous administrations, the Mayor was the budget officer, and consulted the board very little. As a result, the budget would be presented at the last minute with little or no input from trustees or the public. He reminded everyone that previous administrations stripped cash reserves in order to keep the tax rate low. Pirelli went on to explain that politics are out of the budget loop, and the comptroller (village clerk) is the budget officer. Emily and Lou Leone of West Maple Ave. asked several questions about individual budget items. They were concerned about a 23% increase in village tax rates over the past three years, and they questioned some grant figures. They also praised the board for pursuing grant monies and encourged them to do a more detailed budget in the future. Charles Ten Eick of Williams Street asked Pirelli how much the Ultralife deal has cost the village. Former village clerk Mike Tonovitz was on hand and replied that the village is receiving payment in lieu of taxes, and the figure was probably less than $10,000. Dick Colacino asked if monies were in the new budget for East Avenue curbing, and continued to mention the blight problem in that area. He was informed by highway manager Jim Sadler that there is no money for curbing. Colacino learned that money was allocated in the proposed budget for part-time summer help to paint and spruce up downtown areas. East Union St. renovation was discussed. Sadler reported that it is on the state DOT's agenda. Residents expressed their concern about what they termed the village's high property tax. Resident Michael Kowaleski asked Pirelli to list areas in the village that are better than comparable communities. Pirelli insisted that the level of services provided in Newark is higher. In an interview after the meeting, outgoing village clerk/treasurer Michael Tonovitz said that many of the concerns raised were by residents who had lived in Newark for a short time, and they don't realize the mess that the village was in two years ago. He said that many try to compare Newark with communities that have an 8 percent sales tax, and that are closer to Rochester. Tonovitz was disappointed that no one mentioned that the actual tax levy is up only $7000. Added Tonovitz, lost assessments are responsible for much of the rate increase, as are the Conrail lawsuit and I.D.A abatements. In regular session, Pirelli presented a photo of a skateboarding facility located in California, with the possibility that a consultant be brought here to talk about such a project. Jim San Angelo, chairman of the Municipal Board, reported on the coming replacment of the grit removal system at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. SanAngelo also reported that the water contract with the NYS Thruway Authority looks good, even though an extra pump station may be required at a cost of $12,000. He asked the Mayor to encourge all departments to fill out necessary forms regarding water accountablity. San Angelo told the board that the landlord-tenant water billing issue needs to be discussed in joint meetings with municipal and village boards. In other village business:
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