Why I Voted No on the 2020 Ossining Village Budget

As an elected official i have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure all taxpayer funds are used responsibility, effectively and allocated correctly. I am also a firm believer that any or all taxpayer funded employment opportunities should be posted and accessible for all who are qualified and wish to apply- this to me is the true definition of being an equal opportunity employer. Unfortunately, I cannot veto a particular line item in the budget- I either have to vote in favor it or against it.

The main premise for my no vote was due to the proposed creation of a new six-figure executive level Assistant Village Manager position. This proposal would bring the entire Office of the Ossining Village Manager to close to half a million dollars -solely on personnel.
Here’s the breakdown:

*Village Manager Salary: $187K
*Proposed Assistant Village Manager: $120k
*Confidential Secretary/Project Manager: 100k
*Secretary (Jr. Asst): 70k
Total- $478, 447.00

Upon learning of our current Village Manager’s desire to add an executive level 6-figure addition to the office- myself and a few colleagues requested a full detailed job description and how it applies to current operations overall. We received a PowerPoint slide with a few bullet points and stock vague description- that is it and no further discussion.

Concurrently, as we were learning about the alleged need and new role- The process had already begun to change the Village Charter to allow for position to be appointed, the resolution was already drafted before the discussion at our work-session.

To make this overall situation worst- the manager already had a hand picked friend for consideration who currently works in the Town of Ossinings’ Supervisors office. The continuation of cronyism at its best. It was made clear the village managers office was not planning on posting the position publicly and or interviewing any other candidates once the charge amendment was adopted and 3 of 5 members of the Village Board were ok with that.

I have been very consistent on my views on how we should hire and the perceived ways it looks and seems. Back in May of this year, myself and my fellow colleague Trustee Bazemore had to vote no on the appointment of our new current manager due to how that individual was hired, the lack of process and lack or equitable and transparent access for others.

Thank you to our finance department for all of their hard work and diligence preparing and leading this budget. And thank you to all department heads for their work and service.

Read Full Budget Here Watch Budget Vote Remarks Here (31:18 Mark)

Yours Truly,
Omar J. Herrera
-Views are my own-