Tax Rate Decrease of 3.25%!
I am so proud of the progress we have made toward bringing down our effective tax rate during my administration. We are decreasing the 2021 tax rate by 3.25%! That’s right, after four years of maintaining a 0% tax rate increase, this year we are decreasing it, and doing so in a fiscally responsible way. This is especially great news during a year of economic crisis, and as assessed values for many village properties have increased.
Municipal budgets are something I feel passionate about. The Village is fiscally healthy and will be for years to come with continued opportunities to further chip away at our effective tax rate. Since we never know when an economic crisis may hit, preserving a healthy fund balance and the maximum allowable tax levy for the coming year are fiscally responsible and conservative practices. Since Ossining has among the highest effective tax rates in Westchester County, deliberately working to lower it helps make our community more affordable.
The first question I encourage Village Board members to ask our treasurer in next budget season is, "What is the maximum amount that we are allowed to carry over to next year's tax cap?" The NYS tax cap came to life at the same time that I entered elected office. The first budget I voted on as a Trustee in 2013 busted the tax cap. Click here to read the piece I wrote at the time. That was the beginning of my journey to understanding municipal budgets. On December 2, we will vote to adopt my final budget as Mayor, and I couldn't be more pleased. Join me for a Facebook live chat tomorrow at 10am when I talk about the budget as well as respond to questions about any Village related topics.
Last week's work session included a discussion of a proposed honorary street naming as well as a presentation about the great progress the Village has made in our social media communications. Kudos to Jaimie Hoffman in our village management office for becoming an in-house expert on social media. Her success has been an important component in our commitment to expanding communications. Click here to see the full agenda and link to the meeting video and transcript.
Community Connections
With COVID infection rates escalating in Ossining and everywhere, I am limiting my in-person contact, and will not be at Village Hall tomorrow for Open Office Hours. I will go live on Facebook tomorrow at 10am to discuss the budget. I will also respond to questions on any village topic. Email me in advance or post live during tomorrow's virtual chat. The meeting will be recorded and available on the Village YouTube channel.
Thank you to everyone who has visited me during Open Office Hours over the past six years. When I ran for mayor I committed to expanding accessibility and communication with Ossining residents. Inviting you to visit me at Village Hall and talk one-on-one was the first step. COVID has turned our world upside down, and I'm sorry for missing out on so many Tuesdays with you in person. If you would like to speak with me by phone, call or text 914-640-0575), or email any time.
All Virtual This Week
After several weeks of holding hybrid legislative sessions, the Trustees and I unanimously agreed with the rising infections rates, it's best to return to an all virtual format. Thank you to the staff who worked so hard to figure out the technology needed to accommodate the complexities of a hybrid format. When the time is right for hybrid meetings to be reintroduced, the Village is ready.
This week's agenda again begins with a public hearing on proposed local law 8 related to special events. This hearing was held open after comments from event organizers at the November 4 hearing. Since special events are on hold right now, we have time to carefully consider and respond to concerns raised about the current proposal.
As we prepare for a COVID Thanksgiving, I am making a point to call and write to beloved family members. I will miss sharing my favorite holiday with this year with extended family. For the safety of our loved ones and our whole society, we are having Thanksgiving dinner with just our household. It was a tough decision to make. I hope your family is having similar conversations and avoiding in-person gatherings.
With Regards,
