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Wallkill Valley Times, Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Shawangunk budget within tax cap
By RACHEL COLEMAN
In order to remain under the tax cap,
Shawangunk officials cannot increase the
amount to be raised by taxes in 2017
by more than 0.68 percent. The budget
scheduled for a public hearing on Nov. 3
hits that mark, according to Supervisor
John Valk, Jr.
Supervisor Valk stated on Thursday
that there are “not a lot of changes”
in the preliminary budget, but it does
include the lease of a new police vehicle,
the replacement of a damaged highway
vehicle, and an increase in the water
rates to $6.25 for residential and $9 for
commercial.
The town board also agreed to purchase
new water meter readers and the
necessary software, after it was pointed
out that the town’s current readers are old
and no longer supported by the vendor.
The readers are necessary to obtain the
data to generate bills.
“I don’t think we really have any
choice,” said Valk.
The total cost is $25,000 and will be split
between the water and sewer districts,
although Valk stated he would try to look
into a possible shared services situation
with other municipalities.
The board discussed a proposal to
budget for three additional planning
board meetings for the year. These
meetings would be special meetings
between an applicant and the full board
that would not be publicized or open to
the public. No decisions would be made
and the Planning Board secretary would
be on hand to record the minutes.
“It should be done more in the open, if
possible,” commented Supervisor Valk.
Funding for the additional meetings
Monster mash benefits
cancer center
Have a good time and support a great
cause on October 29, from 11 a.m. -5 p.m
.at Angry Orchard, Walden, as it hosts
the 1st Halloween themed Monster
Mash to support The Hudson Valley
Cancer Resource Center and cancer
patients in the region.
The Monster Mash will feature live
music from Dan Brother and Brian Tice
and fun activities such as a celebrity
judged costume contest, pumpkin
carving, and pumpkin bowling. Cool
raffle prizes, actors from the Forest of
Fear and Angry Orchard Hard Cider
make the Monster Mash a worthwhile
event. Admission is a suggested
donation of $5
would be cove