TO TOWN OF PAWLING RESIDENTS

 

TO TOWN OF PAWLING RESIDENTS

pawlingseal3

In reference to recent comments about taxes and the upcoming budget, I would like to share the following information with you that I believe will be helpful and informative.

When I took office in 2010, my budget was expanded from the previous administration’s 6 pages to 43 pages in an effort to display transparency and to help residents better understand what their tax dollars pay for, as well as to provide the board with a comprehensive document with which they can make educated and informed decisions.

Further, I created an extensive and detailed PowerPoint presentation explaining the entire budget using graphs, charts, and breakdowns that illustrated exactly where the tax money goes. I will be doing the same this year for the benefit of transparency, which has always been a top priority of mine.

Last year, there were town board meetings on 10/7/15, 10/14/15, 11/4/15 and 11/18/15 that were specific to the budget process in which all residents were allowed and encouraged to come voice their concerns and opinions. It is also important to note that at every board meeting throughout the year, residents have the chance to speak to board about anything they wish when there is a call to comment on non-agenda items.

In listening to resident’s concerns, we’ve also evolved our format to be more open to answering questions, which has created a more productive meeting. In addition, both myself and the town board have been extremely willing to schedule meetings to discuss any issues a resident may have, which only a few people have sought. I have personally met with anyone who has requested a meeting with me, and more conversations were had last year than ever before because of our ongoing efforts.

Knowing all of these facts, which are easily verifiable by going to the town’s website and looking at the meeting minutes as well as listening to the meeting podcasts, I feel that the public is being misinformed by some members of the community insinuating that the board has not been transparent nor allowed sufficient input from the residents. Everyone who attended the board meetings – meetings that were in no way secretive and were public knowledge far in advance – had a chance to speak and offer their input, which the board took into serious consideration. In addition, we encouraged residents with questions or concerns to schedule a time to sit down with any member of the board.

My goal has always been demonstrating fairness and transparency in everything that I do as Supervisor. I have worked diligently during this process to present a budget that is as detailed as possible, as I have done each year. It is important to me that all residents fully understand the reality of budget process.

I encourage you to please share this post for the benefit of all of our residents.

Sincerely 

David Kelly

Pawling Town Supervisor

Author: Harlem Valley News