The Village of East Williston unanimously approved its tentative 2015-16 budget, totaling $2.4 million, a 1.944 percent reduction in the village tax rate, and their second consecutive year of having a 0 percent increase in the village tax levy.
Village treasurer Michael Delury briefly spoke at the village’s annual budget hearing/organizational meeting last Monday, citing the flat levy as “pretty impressive.”
For the fiscal year 2015-16, the tentative budget has $2.3 million in taxable assessed valuation, $1.9 million for the tax levy, and an $85.3189 tax rate.
One of the highlights for the 2015-16 budget is the purchase of a new street sweeper, which trustee Christopher Siciliano announced the $188,815 purchase last December.
Siciliano remarked that the new sweeper is out on the streets and will make its way through the entire village.
Village of East Williston Mayor David Tanner noted a $128,399 increase in the village’s total capital expenditures, which include fire department improvements, village hall site work and East Williston Avenue improvements; and $109,689 increase in total capital revenues.
“These are all projects we’ve invested in now that will hopefully last us another 10 to 15 years,” Tanner said.
Trustees Sworn In
Mayor David Tanner and Deputy Mayor Bonnie Parente both took their oath of office, as well as Village Clerk Marie Hausner; Associate Village Justice Emil Samuels; Village Building Inspector Robert Campagna; Richard Raab, board of zoning appeals; Michael Vecchione, planning board; John Lekstutis, library board; Ann Mageau, historic commission; and Elise Campagna, historic commission.
Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell swore in Mayor Tanner and Nassau County Assistant Chief Fire Marshall and Village of Williston Park trustee Michael Uttaro swore in Bonnie Parente.
DeBenedittis Honored
The village board also presented now former Trustee Caroline DeBenedittis with a plaque commemorating her service from 2011 to 2015.
DeBenedittis, who decided not to seek re-election, will have her seat replaced by attorney James Iannone, who was not able to attend the meeting last Monday. Iannone ran unopposed in last month’s village election.
“I had a lovely time on the village board,” DeBenedittis said. “James Iannone is a wonderful gentleman, and I am confident everything will run smoothly.”
Sumter Sold
Village Attorney Jeffrey Blinkoff reported that the controversial property at 8 Sumter Ave. has been sold, and that seven dumpsters worth of materials had been removed from the property.
Blinkoff also reported that the village has received all the money owed regarding the property in unpaid taxes and fees, which totaled to $47,700. Tanner said the village intends to use that money to offset taxes next year.
According to Blinkoff, there is an agreement with the purchasers who took over the property that the shed and garage will be demolished, and then take steps to re-do the principal structure, or demolish that as well.
“I think this is good news for the neighborhood and it is our hope that things continue to get better,” Blinkoff said.
Former Village Trustee Jim Daw publically thanked everyone with the village for seeing the handling of 8 Sumpter Ave. through, specifically mentioning Marie Hausner, Robert Campagna, and Blinkoff, whom he regarded as “the most patient and one of the very best lawyers I’ve ever known.”
