Tax Increase for Ossining, Decrease for Mount Pleasant in Tentative Briarcliff Manor Budget

The preliminary budget for the Village of Briarcliff Manor proposes a tax rate increase for Town of Ossining residents, and a decrease for Town of Mount Pleasant residents.

"The budget is a snap-shot of the current economic climate with the requirement that we project for a full year based on our best, educated knowledge," said Village Manager Philip Zegarelli in a memo to the Board of Trustees.

If the tentantive budget is adopted, Ossining will see a 3.71 percent property tax increase, while Mount Pleasant residents' taxes will drop 2.94 percent when the new fiscal year begins on June 1.

The tax changes reflect an overall increase of $324,000 in the village-wide tax levy compared to the current fiscal year. Other sources of revenue are anticipated to bring in $297,210 less than this year.

Zegarelli asserted, "The negative impact of the reduction in [Briarcliff Manor's] assessment roll and its impact on [Briarcliff Manor's] budgetary process remains a problem. This impact translated to a differential of village tax rates between [Briarcliff Manor's] [Town of Ossning] and [Town of Mount Pleasant] residents."

He continued, "Again, the equalization rate effects impact local residents: in this case impacting [Town of Ossining] and [Town of Mount Pleasant] residents the opposite to that of last year."

The tentative budget asks for a 1.9 percent increase in expenditures and a 28.84 percent increase in projected revenues for its General Fund. There is a projected 23.84 increase in revenues across all of the village's funds.

For the General Fund, tentative expenditures for 2011—2012 add up to $14,377,343 (versus the current year's $14,108,918 projection). Revenues for the coming fiscal year are anticipated to be $21,312,595 (versus the $17,209,892 the village expects to bring in by the end of May).

"The elongation of the economic distress shared by our taxpayers has stretched our efforts but I believe this document tackles residents needs and expectations: your fiscal constraint and determination meets the demands you have required of us for sound fiscal discipline," wrote Zegarelli.

The budget figures reflect significant increases in benefits-related costs.

Zegarelli pointed out these required expenditures "are hitting the budget more this year than ever."

"Three areas alone point a bleak scenario: retirement increases of $302,807 (+29%) added to medical benefits increases of $222,514 (+14%) and Workers Compensation increases of $48,970 (+20%) total nearly $575,000 over last year," he said.

Zegarelli also pointed out five full-time village employees retired at the end of the 2009—2010 fiscal year, while another "separated from staff." Since then, none of these positions have been filled.

This year, the tentative budget calls for the elimination of one part-time and seven full-time village positions:

• 1 Water Department laborer
• 1 Garage mechanic
• 1 caretaker
• 1 full-time Recreation Department clerk
• 1 full-time Administration/Village Clerk's Department clerk
• 1 full-time Building Department clerk
• 1 Highway Department skilled laborer
• 1 part-time Recreation Department senior citizen activity leader

According to Zegarelli, these reductions include those "via the retirement incentive program, separation agreements or reductions in force."

The village's Water Fund tentative expenditures for the coming year reflect a 3.67 percent increase compared to this year. Revenues are anticipated to decline by approximately 1.13 percent.

The Library Fund's expenditures represent a decrease of 1.1 percent for the coming fiscal year. The revenue side reflects a projected 1.78 increase.

The Debt Service Fund is expected to cost 4.13 percent less in the coming year, while revenues are projected to go down 1.07 percent.

You can view the full tentative budget here (.pdf).

"Simply put, I would 'be happy' if I could tell you were were at least staying in place," said Zegarelli.