PUBLIC WORKSHOP: SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 @ 7pm Presentation by Kevin J. Tollisen, Town Supervisor PUBLIC...

PUBLIC WORKSHOP: PUBLIC WORKSHOP: SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 @ 7pmSEPTEMBER 23, 2015 @ 7pm

Presentation by Presentation by

Kevin J. Tollisen, Town SupervisorKevin J. Tollisen, Town Supervisor

PUBLIC WORKSHOP: PUBLIC WORKSHOP: SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 @ 7pmSEPTEMBER 23, 2015 @ 7pm

Presentation by Presentation by

Kevin J. Tollisen, Town SupervisorKevin J. Tollisen, Town Supervisor

Public WorkshopPublic WorkshopHighway ImprovementsHighway Improvements

Currently, there is an estimated Currently, there is an estimated 115 miles115 miles of Town owned and maintained roads in the of Town owned and maintained roads in the Town of Halfmoon.Town of Halfmoon.

The Town has held 6 public workshops to The Town has held 6 public workshops to discuss long term highway improvements. discuss long term highway improvements. This evening is public workshop #7. This evening is public workshop #7.


*The legal requirement for holding a public *The legal requirement for holding a public workshop is to publish a Notice in the workshop is to publish a Notice in the Official newspaper of the Town. The Town Official newspaper of the Town. The Town Clerk published the Notice for all workshops.Clerk published the Notice for all workshops.

*In addition to the legal requirement to *In addition to the legal requirement to publish the Notice, the Town also publish the Notice, the Town also implemented the following notification implemented the following notification procedures:procedures:

NOTIFICATION TO TOWN RESIDENTS


(1) Posting of notification of public workshops at all (1) Posting of notification of public workshops at all Town Hall entrances.Town Hall entrances.(2) Posting of notification of public workshops on the (2) Posting of notification of public workshops on the Town website.Town website.(3) Posting of notification of public workshops on the (3) Posting of notification of public workshops on the Town sign.Town sign.(4) Posting of notification of public workshops on the (4) Posting of notification of public workshops on the Town Facebook page.Town Facebook page.(5) Posting of notification of public workshops by e-(5) Posting of notification of public workshops by e-

alerts alerts to residents who are signed up to receive e-alerts.to residents who are signed up to receive e-alerts.(6) Reverse 911 Robocall to all Town residents- (6) Reverse 911 Robocall to all Town residents-

landline.landline.

NOTIFICATION TO TOWN RESIDENTS

Public WorkshopHighway Improvements

WHAT HAS THE TOWN DONE TO IMPROVE BUDGET OPERATIONS?

(GENERAL OVERALL OPERATIONS)


The Town’s financial condition has improved greatly in the past two

years. Here are some of the highlights.

Public WorkshopHighway Improvements1) Town Supervisor holds monthly

Department Manager meetings. First item on the list is discussion of the Town budget.

2) Town Supervisor implemented a spending freeze on all Town Departments- spending only on items critically necessary for Town Department operations.


3) Cut spending costs: When the grant writer retired, instead of replacing with a full time employee with salary and benefits, the Town a hired professional firm to do all grant writing at significantly less cost to the Town. (GENERAL FUND)

4) When Assistant Town Animal Control Officer left, the Town partnered with the Town of Clifton Park in an effort to reduce spending. (GENERAL FUND)


5) The Town of Halfmoon implemented a plan for solar energy. The Town installed solar panels on Town property located off of Brookwood Road. When fully operational (Nov 2015), the approximate savings for the Water Department and Town Hall Main Complex Buildings is $170,000 for the first year and $4.2 million over 20 years. (GENERAL FUND).


6) The Town of Halfmoon entered into a contract for use of its existing generators. The Town agreed to convert to use its generators if there was ever a power shortage (mainly during the Summer period) in New York State. The Town will receive approximately $15,000 per year for its contract with this program. (GENERAL FUND). The Town also receives approximately $20,000 per year for use of its generators at the Water Treatment Plant (WATER FUND).

Public WorkshopHighway Improvements7) The Town of Halfmoon has increased its

percentage share of Time Warner Cable franchise fees from 3% to 5%. This is currently being reviewed by the PSC and once approved, will result in increased revenue to the Town of Halfmoon (GENERAL FUND).

8) The Town has increased building permit fees, fire inspection fees, and recreation summer camp fees - fee increases were based on analysis of similar Towns and to bring fees more in line with more realistic budget costs (GENERAL FUND).


9) The Town of Halfmoon has, in the past two years, refinanced and refunded

some of its bond obligations resulting in savings to Halfmoon residents of over $1.6 million over the remaining

term of the bonds.


SPECIFICALLY WHAT HAS THE TOWN DONE TO IMPROVE

BUDGET OPERATIONS FOR THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT?


Town has applied for GRANTS.

a. The Town of Halfmoon applied for a grant thru CDTC for repaving of Sitterly Road in the Town of Halfmoon. The Town was awarded a grant in the amount of $400,000 for this project. It includes a 20% match by the Town. Project completion in 2016.



b. The Town of Halfmoon applied for a joint grant with the Town of Clifton Park for upgrades to the traffic light and turn lanes for the Crossing in Clifton Park, Woodin and Sitterly Roads in the Town of Halfmoon. The Towns were awarded the grant for improvement to the traffic signal only. The Towns are exploring alternatives to have turn lanes installed as well.



c. The Town recently made a request to New York State Senator Kathy Marchione for State monies to purchase a Small Dump Truck (F550) and Pickup truck totaling $98,641.


2. The Town has recently implemented a strategy to improve Highway operations for new developments. When PDDs are submitted to the Town and approved, the Town has requested that as part of the public benefit, certain monies be allocated from each building permit to be set aside for the Highway Department, and to be used specifically for general highway purposes as needed.

New and existing projects that do not have a defined public benefit to the Town have already followed the Town Board Recommendations for dedicating certain funds for highway purposes.


a. A recent example is that the Town recently approved an amendment to an existing PDD. The Public Benefit to the Town was a $30,000 stipend to the Highway Department for highway purposes.


3. The Town of Halfmoon has also started 3. The Town of Halfmoon has also started the process of reviewing and re-the process of reviewing and re-strategizing the Northern GEIS. strategizing the Northern GEIS.

In the Northern GEIS fund, monies are In the Northern GEIS fund, monies are set aside for specific projects and set aside for specific projects and improvements to the North end of improvements to the North end of Town. The Town is currently reviewing Town. The Town is currently reviewing the list of projects and looking to re-the list of projects and looking to re-strategize and re-prioritize based on strategize and re-prioritize based on projects already completed or projects projects already completed or projects that would not fit in the current Town that would not fit in the current Town plan.plan.


While the Town is on a good path While the Town is on a good path to improving its financial to improving its financial condition, the Town Board needs condition, the Town Board needs to look at the Town as a whole and to look at the Town as a whole and look toward its long term future look toward its long term future needs. (Moody’s Investors just needs. (Moody’s Investors just released its updated rating on the released its updated rating on the Town’s financial condition on Town’s financial condition on 9/14/15 changing the Town from a 9/14/15 changing the Town from a “negative” outlook to a “stable” “negative” outlook to a “stable” outlook).outlook).


The Town can continue to do the “best job The Town can continue to do the “best job it can” each year within Highway budget it can” each year within Highway budget operations if the Town Board decides to do operations if the Town Board decides to do so. But, it is the responsibility of the Town so. But, it is the responsibility of the Town Supervisor to bring this to the attention of Supervisor to bring this to the attention of the Town Board and its residents. the Town Board and its residents.

Since this is my second full budget as Since this is my second full budget as Halfmoon Supervisor, I believe it is critical Halfmoon Supervisor, I believe it is critical to have this “conversation” and discuss the to have this “conversation” and discuss the long term plan for the town roads in the long term plan for the town roads in the Town of Halfmoon. Town of Halfmoon.


New York State Comptroller issued a New York State Comptroller issued a report to Municipalities about report to Municipalities about infrastructure. The Headline of the infrastructure. The Headline of the Article was: “DiNapoli: Municipal Article was: “DiNapoli: Municipal Spending on Infrastructure Declines Spending on Infrastructure Declines While Needs go Unmet”. (September While Needs go Unmet”. (September 9, 2014). The article talks about 9, 2014). The article talks about municipal spending as a whole, and municipal spending as a whole, and states that most municipalities are states that most municipalities are spending less than one third (1/3) of spending less than one third (1/3) of what is necessary “to keep up with what is necessary “to keep up with deteriorating capital assets”.deteriorating capital assets”.


In consideration of In consideration of imposing a Highway Tax, it imposing a Highway Tax, it is important to review prior is important to review prior years’ budget operations years’ budget operations and trends. and trends.


In order for the Town to be on a In order for the Town to be on a 20 year plan 20 year plan for road improvementsfor road improvements, the Town needs to , the Town needs to pave an estimated 5.75 miles of road per year. pave an estimated 5.75 miles of road per year.

For an average estimated cost, it is For an average estimated cost, it is approximately $125,000 to pave one mile of approximately $125,000 to pave one mile of road. The actual cost is dependent on a road. The actual cost is dependent on a number of factors including but not limited to number of factors including but not limited to cost of oil at the time of road paving and the cost of oil at the time of road paving and the actual condition of the road when the paving is actual condition of the road when the paving is done. The longer a road in need of repaving done. The longer a road in need of repaving waits, the more the road will be in disrepair waits, the more the road will be in disrepair when it is done. when it is done.


The actual monies spent by the Town in the past 7 The actual monies spent by the Town in the past 7 years is as follows:years is as follows:

YEARYEAR IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS REPAIRS EQUIPMENT REPAIRS EQUIPMENT 20082008 $280,455$280,455 $120,622$120,622 $108,006$108,006 20092009 $339,860$339,860 $136,501$136,501 $325,246$325,246 20102010 $ 40,731$ 40,731 $162,380$162,380 $161,699$161,699 20112011 $388,588$388,588 $115,284$115,284 $197,336$197,336 20122012 $395,490$395,490 $163,957$163,957 $235,786$235,786 20132013 $266,578$266,578 $142,196$142,196 $ 57,670$ 57,670 20142014 $66,962$66,962 $123,956$123,956 $126,687$126,687

These numbers do not factor in CHIPS monies received from the State yearly.These numbers do not factor in CHIPS monies received from the State yearly.

As you can see, these numbers are far from the $718,750 average cost to pave 5.75 As you can see, these numbers are far from the $718,750 average cost to pave 5.75 miles of road per year. miles of road per year.


WHAT ABOUT NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND THE COSTS?

Town residents should know that when a new development comes in to the Town, all infrastructure improvements are paid by the developer, NOT the Town. This includes installation of new water lines and connecting them to our existing water lines and sewer lines, and the creation of Town roads (subbase, binder, and final topcoat).


With regard to the creation of the Town Roads, the Town has a Road Dedication Committee comprised of several members of the Town. The Committee’s purpose is to review and

implement procedures that a developer must follow PRIOR TO the Town of Halfmoon

accepting ownership of a road. Earlier this year, the procedure was modified and updated to provide tighter controls and regulations to ensure the long term benefit of these roads for the Town. Roads are accepted by Town Board resolution only after all components have been reviewed and signed off by key staff including but not limited to the Town Planner, Town Water Superintendent, Town

Highway Superintendent, and Town Attorney.


MAIN REVENUE DRIVER FOR HIGHWAY MAIN REVENUE DRIVER FOR HIGHWAY BUDGETBUDGET

The Highway Budget is funded primarily The Highway Budget is funded primarily through the through the Sales TaxSales Tax the Town receives on the Town receives on an annual basis. The Town relies on Sales Tax an annual basis. The Town relies on Sales Tax estimations provided by the Saratoga County estimations provided by the Saratoga County Treasurer’s Office to base budget projections. Treasurer’s Office to base budget projections.

Mortgage tax monies received by the Town Mortgage tax monies received by the Town cannot be used for Highway Budget purposes.cannot be used for Highway Budget purposes.

Other funds (General Fund, Water Fund, Other funds (General Fund, Water Fund, Recreation Fund, Capital Reserve Accounts) Recreation Fund, Capital Reserve Accounts) cannot be used for general Highway Purposes. cannot be used for general Highway Purposes.

Public WorkshopPublic WorkshopHighway ImprovementsHighway ImprovementsMAIN EXPENSES PER YEAR FOR HIGHWAY BUDGETMAIN EXPENSES PER YEAR FOR HIGHWAY BUDGET

The Highway Budget is comprised of a number of different account The Highway Budget is comprised of a number of different account operations. While you have seen the trends for paving, the following operations. While you have seen the trends for paving, the following is an example of the larger costs of the Highway Budget:is an example of the larger costs of the Highway Budget:

*EQUIPMENT*EQUIPMENT $463,122$463,122 ($118,069 in 2015)($118,069 in 2015) VEHICLE REPAIRVEHICLE REPAIR$150,000$150,000 FUELFUEL $110,000$110,000*ROAD REPAIRS*ROAD REPAIRS $150,000$150,000 ($150,000 in 2015)($150,000 in 2015)*IMPROVEMENTS *IMPROVEMENTS $587,000$587,000 ($100,000 in 2015)($100,000 in 2015)(The Town receives an additional $155,172 in CHIPS money from (The Town receives an additional $155,172 in CHIPS money from

NYS annually to be used for paving projects).NYS annually to be used for paving projects). SNOW REMOVALSNOW REMOVAL$290,000 ROAD SALT$290,000 ROAD SALT PERSONAL SERVICESPERSONAL SERVICES $965,000$965,000

Items shown by * will incorporate the $1.2 million tax. It will ensure Items shown by * will incorporate the $1.2 million tax. It will ensure equipment is purchased as needed along with road improvements equipment is purchased as needed along with road improvements necessary for a 20 year plan.necessary for a 20 year plan.


YOUR CURRENT TAX BILLS

Your January Tax Bill, is your Town and County Tax Bill.

You currently pay NO GENERAL TOWN TAX.

You currently pay NO HIGHWAY TAX. The County Tax goes directly to Saratoga County- the Town receives no

portion.

The Fire District Tax is a tax set by the Fire Commissioners who are elected by your vote in December of year. Your address determines the Fire

District in which you live for fire protection. The Town has no input or decision on this tax.

The Library District Tax is a tax set by the Trustees who are elected by vote in September of each year. The Town has no input or decision.


YOUR CURRENT TAX BILLS

For the Ambulance, this is a District set by legislation. The Town currently is in a 6 year contract with Clifton Park- Halfmoon Emergency Corps. The contract has a 2% reduction in this

District Tax each year during the Contract.

Water District Tax is a Tax set by the Town of Halfmoon for debt service for water in your area.

Some residents have other district taxes.

School District Taxes are set by the School Board Members pursuant to your vote of them in May of each year. The Town has no input

or decision.


TOWN HIGHWAY TAX AND ITS IMPACT ON RESIDENTS

The Town Supervisor and Town Highway Superintendent met to discuss what is actually needed for implementation of a reasonable and responsible plan for the Town highway system.

In consideration of the Town implementing a 20 year plan, 5.75 miles of roads need to be paved per year.

5.75 miles of roads X $125,000 per mile (general estimated cost),= $718,750 per year.


TOWN HIGHWAY TAX AND ITS IMPACT ON RESIDENTS

Additionally, to add new and replace existing Dump Trucks and other equipment that is needed for the roads and to ensure the Highway Department equipment is working properly, the Town Highway Superintendent estimated the average annual cost for purchase of equipment and repairs in the amount of $481,250 per year.

That equates to a total Highway Budget request of $1.2 million dollars by tax.


What would this cost equate to for the average Halfmoon household?

The calculation rate would be .8810 per thousand.

The formula to calculate the tax is: assessed value of your home X .8810.

It is not based on actual fair market value, but on assessed value.

Town equalization rate is 59.5%.


The following are examples of the Highway Tax per individual household:

On a house assessed at $100,000, the projected annual cost would be $88.10 per year.

(Fair market value of $168,067).On a house assessed at $150,000, the projected annual cost

would be $132.15 per year. (Fair market value of $252,100)


(Fair Market Value of $336,134).On a house assessed at $250,000 the projected annual cost would

be $220.25 per year. (Fair Market Value of $420,168).


(Fair Market Value of ($504,200)


TO BE AWARE:

Star rebate checks would not be issued to residents in 2016 due to the Town of

Halfmoon exceeding the Tax Cap in year 1.

It is not expected that the Town would exceed the Tax Cap in immediate future years.

A Highway Tax would appear on your Town/County Tax Bill in January.


PRESENTATION BY PRESENTATION BY

MICHAEL FRANCHINI, CDTCMICHAEL FRANCHINI, CDTC


QUESTIONS or COMMENTS

Please state your name and

address.


Thank you for Coming !!!Thank you for Coming !!!

PUBLIC WORKSHOP: SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 @ 7pm Presentation by Kevin J. Tollisen, Town Supervisor PUBLIC...

Documents

Transcript of PUBLIC WORKSHOP: SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 @ 7pm Presentation by Kevin J. Tollisen, Town Supervisor PUBLIC...