Board reflects on Newtown tragedy
during monthly gathering
It was time to crunch the numbers of Williston Park at the monthly trustees meeting on Monday. Financial data was the furthest thing on folk’s minds, however.
The trustees held a moment of silence to remember the victims of last week’s Newtown school shooting tragedy. Several commented on the incident as well, with one overriding theme: never forget.
“There needs to be some kind of change, can this ever be stopped totally? No,” said Mayor Paul Ehrbar. “Are there things that maybe can be done to hopefully cut back on this from happening? I hope so.”
“As time goes on, [these events] go into the recesses of our life, and I don’t think that we can let that happen this time,” added Trustee Teresa Thomann.
There were several items of business the village took care of at Monday’s meeting. First and foremost was the auditor’s report, presented by Nawrocki Smith.
Some of the highlights include the village’s total assets, which stand at just under $13 million. Factoring in liabilities, the net assets total a little over $6 million.
There is a general fund balance of over $1.2 million, a decrease of roughly $172,000 over prior years. The report noted that state laws limit the increase in the property tax levy to the lesser of 2 percent or the rate of inflation. This will remain in effect through the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Also on the agenda was the post-Sandy update presented by the Department of Public Works. The village is still in the middle of repairs, which they hope to have mostly completed by Christmas. Most sidewalks and curbs have been repaired and the roads are up next. The village lost more than 150 trees during the storm and that number continues to climb. Traffic signs and light fixtures are being worked on, and the village is getting estimates to fix damaged fencing at the pool.
Most important, the village is in the process of filing paperwork with FEMA in hopes of getting reimbursed for storm-related repairs.
Other news and notes:
The new rates established for water usage are being challenged by East Williston. As a result, the village has hired representation to look into the complaint.
The board recognized both the Williston Park Lady Patriots softball district champions and the boy’s 10U Mayor’s Trophy winners.
The next meeting of the trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 8 p.m. at village hall.
