Town of Saratoga News

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30 Ferry Street, P. O. Box 38 Schuylerville, NY 12871

Volume 2 Number 11 November, 2005

Warm Greetings to Everyone!

The holidays of November remind us to be thankful for and appreciative of the good fortune and many blessings that each of us in our town has received over this past year. The next meeting of the Town Board is scheduled for Thursday, November 10^th at 7:00 p.m. In addition to the regular items of business there will be public hearings on the 2006 Town Budget and proposed amendments to the zoning law. Proposed zoning changes include fee increases, water regulations, and revised special permitted uses.

The Town Board Agenda Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 2^nd at 7:30 pm. The town offices will be closed Friday, November 11^th in observance of Veterans’ Day. In addition the Town offices will be closed November 24^th and 25^th for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Public Hearing on the 2006 Town budget is scheduled for Thursday, November 10^th at 7:00 pm. The budget expenditures including ambulance and fire districts have increased $249,278. Increases in town sales tax and mortgage tax revenue will substantially reduce the amount of this increase to be raised by property tax. The budget has increased as a result of increases in insurance costs, state retirement costs, salaries, park projects, planning and zoning updates, codification costs, court costs, and fuel and heating costs. In addition both the ambulance district and fire protection costs have increased as a result of planned building projects. Town taxes will drop from $1.57 to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessment. Fire protection costs will increase from $.90 to $.98 and ambulance costs will increase from $.41 to $.56. The total tax rate will be $3.04 per $1.000 of assessment. A resident that has property assessed at $100,000. will pay $304. in town, ambulance, and fire district taxes. Our total tax rate compares favorably to that of our neighboring towns.

Qld Saratoga Reformed Church Harvest Supper

On Saturday, November 5^th, at 4:30 and 6:00 pm the Old Saratoga Reformed Church will conduct their Annual Harvest Supper at the church located on Pearl Street. Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children ages 5 – 12, and children under 5 are free. The variety and quality of food cannot be beat. Take outs are available. Reservations may be made by calling 695-3479, 695-6638 or 692-7748.

Saratoga Lake Association News

The SLA conducted a meeting at 7:00 pm on October 27^th. The primary focus of the meeting was an update on recent actions taken by the City of Saratoga Springs in their continuing efforts to draw water from Saratoga Lake. To prevent this from occurring, residents are encouraged to send letters to the Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation expressing their opposition. Specifically, letters should be sent to Ms. Denise Sheehan, Commissioner NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233 and to Dr. Antonia C. Novello, Commissioner NYS DOH, Corning Tower Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237. Check the SLA website or call the town hall for additional information. In addition, the Town Board has voted to join a consortium to litigate the city plan. Again, all town residents living along Saratoga Lake are reminded to complete the Saratoga Lake Water System Connection Survey Form. Even though the set date for submission has passed it is not too late. In order for the town to receive state approval for the extension of the waterline, there must be evidence of a substantial interest on the part of the perspective users. It is critical that all Town residents along Saratoga Lake complete the form and send it in to The Saratoga Glen Hollow Water Supply Corporation, 90 Campbell Road, Schenectady, NY 12306. Copies of this form are on the town web page www.townofsaratoga.com and may be downloaded. In addition, copies are available at the town hall and from the SLA. The official website of the association is www.saratogalake.org. This site is a source of detailed information about events and activities taking place at the lake.

Schuylerville Methodist Church Craft Fair

The Schuylerville Methodist Church will conduct their annual Craft Fair on November 19^th at the American Legion from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Many crafts and baked goods will be available. Lunch will be served from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

American Legion Veterans’ Day Dinner

On Saturday, November 5^th at 6:00 pm the American Legion will conduct their annual Veterans’ Day Dinner. The cost is $10.00 per person. Contact Legion members for tickets.

Town Highway Department News

The Highway Department has been busy preparing for the upcoming winter. Large quantities of sand and salt are stock piled and the snowplows are ready for action. The new 2005 truck has arrived and is ready to plow snow. The old 1996 Town Highway truck and the 1978 roller have been sold.