ZBA Members a No Show

Town adopts 2010 budget

By Margo Frink

(Nelson – Nov. 12, 2009) Two Zoning Board of Appeals meetings had to be postponed because ZBA members were a no show. Apparently only two of the five members show on a regular basis. The Nelson Town Board discussed alternatives at its regular monthly meeting.

“What happened?” asked Nelson Supervisor Dick Williams.

Town Clerk Susan Henderson said all members were scheduled to show for the last meeting but something came up at the last minute for three of the members and they were unable to attend.

Williams suggested an alternate ZBA member for these situations or canvassing the area for different people to serve. One member is up for reappointment, he said.

Williams asked that a letter be drafted and sent to each member asking them if they are still interested in serving on the ZBA.

“If you can’t attend the meetings then there is no sense in volunteering for the job,” Williams said.

Town Budget

A scheduled public hearing on the town budget was held at 7:15 p.m. Despite sales tax revenues down about $15,000, taxpayers will only see a slight increase for 2010. The good news is the town’s tax base increased by $2 million. And last year $73,000 was applied from the general fund. Not this year, according to Williams.

The amount to be raised by taxes is just under $400,000. Taxpayers will pay $2.54 per $1,000 of assessed value, up just two cents from last year.

Purchases include personal computers and software for the bookkeeper. Also, participation in the youth program from the town has dropped off. Only 12 children from Nelson participated last year. The town’s contribution was reduced by $1,000 for a total contribution of $3,000 but added in the budget was $1,000 for the Cazenovia Area Community Development Association. Highway capital projects last year were $126,000. The highway budget called for $140,000 but it was reduced to $120,000.

The board adopted the budget.

Highway report

With help from the county highway department, Nelson Highway Superintendent John Sevier Jr. said the plan is to “redo” Chaphee Hill Road. To alleviate water problems catch basins that need to be lowered will be lowered and areas that need catch basins will be put in.

“The system there works but we want to improve it and make it better,” Sevier said.

The town’s backhoe that was placed on an online auction has been bid on. Sevier said the going rate for it was between $15,000 and $17,000. The bids closed out at $15,700. There is no charge to the town. Auctions International collects the money and taxes and the buyer comes and gets it. Sevier said the town should have the money within 14 days of accepting the bid.

Williams said the budget will not have to be amended. The money can be placed in the equipment reserve fund. The board accepted the bid.

In other news

The town renewed its plow contract with Madison County.

Town taxpayers will be looking at new assessments in 2010. A revaluation will be done.

The Ag market grant has been held up, according to CACDA representative Barbara Henderson.

“They expect to honor the grant,” Henderson said. “The money is still there. We should hear something in a couple of weeks.”

Erieville water district update

The engineers newest report and cost estimate was presented to the town and the cost of the project is $700,000. A grant from Assemblyman Bill Magee’s office is expected to come through at $125,000 leaving the amount to be borrowed at $575,000.

Williams said the best case scenario is the project qualifies for a hardship. If so the loan would be zero percent interest for 30 years. The project was budgeted for $15,000 annually. The new numbers show the cost at $34,164 annually or a 128 percent increase in costs. The project currently has enough points to quality for a state revolving fund, Williams said. The worst case scenario would be a 20 year loan, $53,649 annually or a 258 percent increase in what was budgeted for. Williams said the cost could be based on assessment or advalorem.

There are 52 users in the district.

“At the low end the cost per user annually is $650,” said Councilman Rob Davies.

“There must be a better way,” said Councilwoman Denise Earl.

“We’ve exhausted everything we can possibly do,” said Councilman Mike Costello.

The board has previously stressed the lack of response from residents living in the district. They questioned awareness. Williams suggested a separate mailing to the district.

Although Earl said the project is not ready for a public hearing, a public hearing will be held during the regular board meeting scheduled for Dec. 17.

ZBA Members a No Show

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