Just Letting You Know!

Thomas Paine speaking about taxation reminded us that “what at first was plunder had assumed the softer name of revenue”.  But I think Paine had his statement backwards. What at first was 'revenue' for the Town of Clarkstown has assumed the harsher name of 'plunder'.

Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Local Law - Town of Clarkstown - Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of he Town of Clarkstown, Rockland County, in the Auditorium at the Clarkstown Town Hall, 10 Maple Avenue, New City, New York, on November 7, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, for the purpose of considering the adoption of a Local Law entitled ...

'A Local Law To Override The Tax Levy Limit Established By General Municipal Law 3-c" - The purpose of this proposed Local Law is to authorize the Town Board to override the real property tax levy limit set forth in General Municipal Law 3-c for fiscal year 2014, and to allow the Town Board to adopt a budget for fiscal year 2014 that requires a property tax levy in excess of such "tax levy limit."

A copy of the proposed Local Law is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk, 10 Maple Avenue, New City, New York. All parties in interest and citizens will be heard by the Town Board at the public hearing to be held as aforesaid.

Dated: October 28, 2013
Amy Mele
Town Attorney
Town of Clarkstown
10 Maple Avenue 
New City, New York

Question: Guess how much social security for seniors went up last year?
Answer: 1.8%

Question: Guess how much the salaries of the Town Board members went up last year?
Answer: 2.0%

Question: Guess how much Clarkstown's police salaries went up last year?
Answer: 2.5%

Question: Guess how much Rockland County's property taxes went up last year?
Answer: 18%

Question: Guess how much Clarkstown's property taxes went up last year?
Answer: 6.2%

Question: Guess how much social security for seniors will go up next year?
Answer: 1.5% - the increase will be less than last year.

Question: Guess how much the salaries of the Town Board members will go up next year?
Answer: 2.0%

Question: Guess how much Clarkstown's police salaries will go up next year?
Answer: 2.5% - they are guaranteed for five years.

Question: Guess how much Rockland County's taxes will go up next year?
Answer: 9.9% if Governor Cuomo allows Rockland County to float nearly $100 million of debt. Otherwise 20%.

Question: Guess how much Clarkstown's taxes will go up next year?
Answer: That's a secret until after the election. You see Clarkstown has over $100 million of debt which is rising monthly. But look on the bright side - the Board members have invited all of you to a November 7th Public Meeting, two days after they hope you have re-elected them. You can then watch them stare blankly into space until you have all finished complaining about why you re-elected them two days earlier. Then they will vote for this Local Law to wipe out the senior citizens 2014 social security increase and promptly adjourn.

Coffee will not be served!

You have one last chance to do something about all of this on November 5th.  I would suggest you vote for 'Row G - Preserve Rockland / Clarkstown' and then have your coffee at Starbucks. 

But then "I'm just letting you know". 

This blog is authored by Michael N. Hull, a retired senior citizen who writes opinion pieces on local political issues. He is a Director of Clarkstown Residents Opposing Patronage with Tom Nimick and Ralph Sabatini.  Hull contributes periodically to the Facebook page Clarkstown: What They Don't Want You To Know and on Twitter.