DOWNSIZING DEBATE; IMPORTANT FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE

There have been many questions raised about whether the downsizing of our Town Board is in the best interest of our community. In our continuing efforts to be informed taxpayers, Alden Residents for Responsible Growth took your questions and went to the people with the answers - Supervisor Ronald Smith, the Board of Elections, and Kevin Gaughan’s website. Here are facts and figures we received.

The structure of our town government remains as it has since becoming a first class town in the mid 1960’s. The Town Board is comprised of an elected Supervisor and four elected Councilman positions; all of these offices are part time positions.

Over the past decade, the town tax has remained relatively stable, in fact, the general town tax and general lighting tax are less today than they were in the year 2000. The Highway tax has increased the greatest amount largely due to increase in fuel and road salt costs over the past few years.

Question: How much does each council member get paid?
The maximum cost is $23,038. This includes salary, optional health insurance (which they also contribute toward) and New York State mandated retirement coverage. The Supervisor and three out of the four council members did not take their raise for 2009. One member does not take the health insurance and three do not participate in the retirement system.

Question: What are the responsibilities of the two council positions that could be eliminated if we vote to downsize (beside attending meetings)?
Deputy Supervisor, NEST representative, refuse/recycling, building maintenance, capital improvements, sewers, contract/purchasing, disaster coordinator, senior citizens liason, finance and audit, environmental commission, Historical Society liason, cemeteries committee.

Question: Who will perform these duties if we downsize?
In a community such as Alden, the elimination of two Council positions will have a direct impact on the delivery of services. These duties may either be curtailed, transferred to a full time Town Supervisor, other Council members, existing staff, or necessitate the hiring of additional staff or outside contractors since there are only five full time positions at the Town Hall. Any of these options would reduce or eliminate any potential cost savings. It is also conceivable that the downsizing proposal, would result in tax increases as service delivery responsibilities are transferred to other providers.

Question: Do they receive benefits after they leave office?
No, the town does not offer paid, lifetime insurance or sick time buyout.

Question: Why was Tuesday, September 29 chosen instead of Primary Day?
Under Town Law, the Town was required to schedule a referendum vote no later than 75 days after the filing of the petition. According to the Erie County Board of Elections, only voters participating in an organized Party Primary Election are permitted in the polling place.

Question: Is the Town Board restricting our voice by only having one polling place?
The added expense for this vote, was not figured into this years budget. They are trying to keep the cost to a minimum. Taxpayers will lose two voices if the downsizing occurs.

Question: Will downsizing reduce my property taxes?
Perhaps. The elimination of two members, with service reductions, would represent a tax savings for the average property owner of $18.00 per year. The average residential assessment in the Town of Alden is $72,300, which represents a full market value of $141,700. If additional staff is needed, or a full time supervisor (currently part time) to maintain service delivery, any tax savings would be lost.

Question: Would the Supervisor position remain part time?
It may have to go to full time to take on some of the responsibilities of the Councilmen (which would require a larger salary).

Question: Will downsizing create jobs?
Yes, the Town Board would have to hire people to do the work of the two eliminated Council people and/or divide up the responsibilities between the remaining two. With added responsibilities, comes added pay.

Question: When would the downsizing take effect?
January 2012. There wouldn’t be any Town Council members on the ballot in November 2011.

Question: With a three member board, what would constitute a majority?
A majority would be two out of three members. Two individuals will decide Town tax levies, laws, programs, projects, and raises. Under the Open Meeting Law, anytime a majority of a Board is present, a public meeting is constituted and the public must be notified. Any meeting with staff where two Board members were present, would constitute a public event and a vote could be taken.

Question: Will downsizing increase citizens voices within our Town government?
Citizens are always encouraged to take an active roll in their government. Town residents (both volunteer and paid) are currently serving on the planning board, zoning board of appeal, master plan committee, and ethics committee. It’s up to each citizen to get more involved.

Question: Didn’t the Town Board already vote to downsize the Board?
They downsized the planning board from seven members to five; not the Town Board. This reduction will save the taxpayers $1,432.00 per year.

Question: Are there other ways the Town can save money?
Yes. A few examples: revised fire protection contract, revised highway arbitration proceedings, revised health insurance program, reduction in number of take home vehicles, and town planning board size reduction has saved the taxpayers $50,185.00 over the last few years. The Town, Village, and School work together as much as possible. One central fueling station allows for bulk purchases, which reduces costs. The Village and Town recently received a NY State Government Efficiency Grant to study ways to save all residents tax dollars.

Question: Is the downsizing idea being proposed to the Federal, State, and County governments?
You could contact your representatives to find out. They are listed in the government section of the phone book.

We hope this information has been helpful. Please remember to vote on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm at the Town Hall, 3311 Wende Rd. Absentee ballots are available at the Town Hall. Every vote counts!