Yorktown Town Board to Vote on 2014 Budget on Dec. 17

Yorktown officials have closed the public hearing on the preliminary 2014 town budget after hearing from several community members. Board members are expected to vote on the budget during their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17. 

Less than half a dozen community members along with Yorktown town department heads were present during the public hearing on Dec. 10. 

Yorktown Councilman Dave Paganelli said residents had the chance to comment on the budget without having to adhere to a time limit. Some of the major concerns residents expressed were about the use of the fund balance and the administrative fees charged to the special districts. 

"This budget was generally well received," he said. "Overall the majority of people were complimentary of the budget."

Yorktown Councilman Nick Bianco said the budget includes a 1.62 percent town tax increase, down from the previous projection of a 1.75 percent town tax increase. 

As part of the budget, board members have decided to hire an additional Yorktown police officer for the purpose of restarting the narcotics unit in town. 

The $54,811,628 spending plan represents an increase from the 2013 budget due to mandated contributions to the New York State retirement system, increases in health care and workers compensation increases, settlement of expired PBA and CSEA contracts, as well as a variety of capital projects. 

To read more about the budget, click here.

Town board members will vote on the budget during their Dec. 17 meeting at Town Hall.

What do you think of the Yorktown town board's 2014 preliminary budget? Tell us in the comments section below.