Mid Hudson Times Sept. 26 2018 | Page 3

3 Mid Hudson Times, Wednesday, September 26, 2018 City officials begin preliminary budget talks By KATELYN CORDERO [email protected] The City of Newburgh budget has stirred up some controversy as the tax levy is suggested to raise and the Comptroller resigns. Prior to her resignation City of Newburgh Comptroller Katie Mack advised that the tax levy would increase. The recommendation comes in light of failing infrastructure expected to have a large price tag for the city. City Manager Michael Ciaravino is working with a consultant and the City Auditor to find creative ways to make the city budget work. Many residents showed up at the City Council meeting on Monday to air their concerns and possible solutions for solving the tax burden and budgetary issues. “Where are the conversations about revenue creation, so we don’t have to cut every year and increase everyone’s taxes?” said Christi Amato, resident of the city of Newburgh. There will be a Public Hearing held on October 9 for those who want to speak out and have their voices heard. Budgetary meetings will take place in the coming weeks with city department heads to discuss the needs of each department. Each of these meetings takes place at City Hall and are open to the public. The schedule is posted on the city website, cityofnewburgh-ny.gov. “I’m going to vote on the hearing, I will not vote on the tax increase,” said Councilman Jonathan Jacobson. “We need to make changes so the budget can cost us less. I am not voting in favor of a tax increase.” Block Party benefits 12th Rock Ministries The Innate Chiropractic parking lot in Newburgh was packed with nearly 800 people funneling in and out of their block party on Friday. More than $5,000 was raised for an organization called 12th Rock Ministries, a missional outreach group fundraising to open an indoor sports complex in the Town of Wallkill. The organiza tion uses sports as a way to empower and teach children. The founders of Innate Chiropractic, Dr. Erik Brower and Dana Brower have been involved in 12th Rock in the past. “We wanted to fundraise money for a great cause,” said Dr. Brower. “We also wanted to do this for the community. It gives our patients a place to promote what they do, some of them have their own tents here. It also gives a space to promote our local businesses.” Dr Erik and Dana Brower founded Innate Chiropractic and hosted the block party and fundraiser. Mark and Greg Jaloszynski the brothers who founded and run 12th Rock Ministries. By KATELYN CORDERO [email protected] The event included 30 vendors, a rock wall, and bouncy castle, and a big hit for some of the patients, “dunk the doctors,” where anyone can donate to try and dunk the doctors into a tub of water. More than $5,000 was raised to go towards an indoor sports facility for 12th Rock in the Town of Wallkill. One they hope to have finished by 2021. The facility will be available to rent by sports teams in the area. It will serve as as home for the various camps, leagues and missions that 12th Rock holds throughout the year. “It’s a dream we’ve been howling at for years,” said Mark Jaloszynski. “Everything has been falling in place thanks to all the donations and with the help of God.” Last spring the group raised $100,000 and they hope to raise another $100,000 by December 1 to completely purchase the property. The money raised by Innate Chiropractic is a large step in the right direction. To make a donation or find out more information about 12th Rock visit www.12throck.org. A self-defense demonstration was part of the day’s events.