The Brookfield Town Board would like to change the senior citizen’s real property exemption income to coincide with the County's senior exemption schedule. In 2007 the Madison County adopted a resolution increasing income limits for qualified senior citizens; The Town Board would like to adopt a similar schedule of income limits (see below) and allow more low-income seniors to take advantage of the exemptions at the TOWN level. State law allows the Town to adopt the increased schedule by a Resolution held after public hearing; this increased level would take effect for the March 1, 2012 taxable status date;
The Town Board passed the resolution at their February 13 Regular Meeting and will hold the PUBLIC HEARING February 23, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Brookfield Town Hall.
Below is a schedule of the proposed income scale.
Example - a senior citizen with an annual income of less than $18,000 (vs. $12,000 currently) would receive a 50% tax exemption from TOWN and COUNTY taxes.
ANNUAL
INCOME RANGE & EXPEMSPTION %:
$ 0.00 $18,000 50%
18,000 19,000 45%
19,000 20,000 40%
20,000 21,000 35%
21,000 21,900 30%
21,900 22,800 25%
22,800 23,700 20%
23,700 24,600 15%
24,600 25,500 10%
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
BROOKFIELD - February Regular TOWN BOARD MEETING
What did I learn…or “misunderstand” from last night’s Town Board Meeting (Monday, Feb 13, 2012)?
Approximately 20 people attended the meeting. Jeff Mayne, Deputy Supervisor, presided in John Salka’s absence. All other Board members attended: Clint Abrams, Dewitt Head and Joel Walker; also in attendance: Sherry Kabana, Town Clerk; Bob Piersma – Highway Superintendent & Codes Officer.
Here is a brief overview:
New OPEN MEETINGS LAW – Clerk Kabana noted the new law (we have the right to request any documents being presented at the Town Board meetings – prior to the meetings – with adequate notice. As Information Officer for the Town, she will do her best to comply with these requests.
$892,000 IN TAXES COLLECTED SO FAR IN BROOKFIELD… Kabana reported that the Town has one of the best pay-up tax rates.
NORTH BROOKFIELD PARK – CHURCH PURCHASE – Head reported that a survey revealed large portions of the park were actually owned by the Catholic Church. Don McCoach stressed the importance of a survey. Head will have the remaining portion of the park surveyed. The Catholic Church is “selling” the property to the Town for $12…[perhaps we should change the ball teams’ name to the “SAINTS”???] Head to check with the Town Attorney to see if a public hearing will be necessary.
$18,500 GRANT TO NORTH BROOKFIELD PARK – Head also announced that Mid-York had is giving the No. Brookfield Park $18,500 for fencing.
CODES – Piersma updated the codes activity and problem properties and the Madison Co. Health Dept is now involved.
HIGHWAY – Piersma presented the Board with a lengthy Highway Report on the status of the Dept. He also moved his office back to the Highway Garage and admitted that it was not working out in the Town Offices. [How refreshing!.. admitting an idea didn’t work and being flexible enough to change! ] He also thanked the Brookfield Fire Dept for working out a deal with the Town to acquire their pumper for $1,000. As an intermunicipal transfer, no bidding required.
FUEL BIDS OPENED – Buehl Fuels won the bid package for heating fuel, gas, furnace contracts – besting Broedel & Paul Oil.
GRADEALL – The old gradeall is now “unsafe” for use and there is a party interested in buying it for parts. Piersma and M.Zedecker checked out a used one at a Syracuse dealership. The Board authorized Piersma to put the equipment specs up for bid. To discuss funding options with Salka [ someone suggested that the North Brookfield Park lend the money!]
TAX BREAK FOR LOW INCOME SENIORS – Head submitted a resolution to increase the income limits for low income seniors from $12,000 to $18,000 income per year. The limits would coincide with the County’s. This would allow more seniors to get up to a 50% tax break on TOWN taxes. There is a sliding scale. A public hearing is required and scheduled for: THURSDAY, February 23 – 7pm , BROOKFIELD TOWN HALL. Head will get the tax impact information requested by Clint Abrams.
WEST WINFIELD “STAR” – Abrams read J. Burch’s letter to the Board, asking them to reconsider and include the STAR as a paper of record for the Town, along with the Waterville Times and the Madison Courier. The issue was deferred. Several audience members also supported reinstating the Star.
Meeting was adjourned around 8:45 PM. Quiet one.
Benefits for Emily Salka & Family – a spaghetti dinner will be held at the Brookfield Baptist Church on February 26, 2012. Contributions by check, payable to “John Salka” may also be made c/o the Madison Courier. The family will be facing numerous expenses not covered by insurance; the Courier will print any information we receive regarding benefits planned on behalf of the Salkas. In the meantime, the Courier will collect donations for the family made payable to John or Erin Salka and mailed in care of the paper at c/o M3P Media, LLC, P.O. Box 3, Wampsville, N.Y. 13163.
Approximately 20 people attended the meeting. Jeff Mayne, Deputy Supervisor, presided in John Salka’s absence. All other Board members attended: Clint Abrams, Dewitt Head and Joel Walker; also in attendance: Sherry Kabana, Town Clerk; Bob Piersma – Highway Superintendent & Codes Officer.
Here is a brief overview:
New OPEN MEETINGS LAW – Clerk Kabana noted the new law (we have the right to request any documents being presented at the Town Board meetings – prior to the meetings – with adequate notice. As Information Officer for the Town, she will do her best to comply with these requests.
$892,000 IN TAXES COLLECTED SO FAR IN BROOKFIELD… Kabana reported that the Town has one of the best pay-up tax rates.
NORTH BROOKFIELD PARK – CHURCH PURCHASE – Head reported that a survey revealed large portions of the park were actually owned by the Catholic Church. Don McCoach stressed the importance of a survey. Head will have the remaining portion of the park surveyed. The Catholic Church is “selling” the property to the Town for $12…[perhaps we should change the ball teams’ name to the “SAINTS”???] Head to check with the Town Attorney to see if a public hearing will be necessary.
$18,500 GRANT TO NORTH BROOKFIELD PARK – Head also announced that Mid-York had is giving the No. Brookfield Park $18,500 for fencing.
CODES – Piersma updated the codes activity and problem properties and the Madison Co. Health Dept is now involved.
HIGHWAY – Piersma presented the Board with a lengthy Highway Report on the status of the Dept. He also moved his office back to the Highway Garage and admitted that it was not working out in the Town Offices. [How refreshing!.. admitting an idea didn’t work and being flexible enough to change! ] He also thanked the Brookfield Fire Dept for working out a deal with the Town to acquire their pumper for $1,000. As an intermunicipal transfer, no bidding required.
FUEL BIDS OPENED – Buehl Fuels won the bid package for heating fuel, gas, furnace contracts – besting Broedel & Paul Oil.
GRADEALL – The old gradeall is now “unsafe” for use and there is a party interested in buying it for parts. Piersma and M.Zedecker checked out a used one at a Syracuse dealership. The Board authorized Piersma to put the equipment specs up for bid. To discuss funding options with Salka [ someone suggested that the North Brookfield Park lend the money!]
TAX BREAK FOR LOW INCOME SENIORS – Head submitted a resolution to increase the income limits for low income seniors from $12,000 to $18,000 income per year. The limits would coincide with the County’s. This would allow more seniors to get up to a 50% tax break on TOWN taxes. There is a sliding scale. A public hearing is required and scheduled for: THURSDAY, February 23 – 7pm , BROOKFIELD TOWN HALL. Head will get the tax impact information requested by Clint Abrams.
WEST WINFIELD “STAR” – Abrams read J. Burch’s letter to the Board, asking them to reconsider and include the STAR as a paper of record for the Town, along with the Waterville Times and the Madison Courier. The issue was deferred. Several audience members also supported reinstating the Star.
Meeting was adjourned around 8:45 PM. Quiet one.
Benefits for Emily Salka & Family – a spaghetti dinner will be held at the Brookfield Baptist Church on February 26, 2012. Contributions by check, payable to “John Salka” may also be made c/o the Madison Courier. The family will be facing numerous expenses not covered by insurance; the Courier will print any information we receive regarding benefits planned on behalf of the Salkas. In the meantime, the Courier will collect donations for the family made payable to John or Erin Salka and mailed in care of the paper at c/o M3P Media, LLC, P.O. Box 3, Wampsville, N.Y. 13163.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
BROOKFIELD: Cowen-Jennison "Letter to the Editor"
For those of you who may have missed the MADISON COURIER ( February 10) "Letter to the Editor" by former Town Board member, George Cowen, crediting former Town Highway Superintendent, Rod Jennison, for his contributions during his tenure in office. Cowen, recently resigned from that Town Board position where he also held a seat on the Town Highway Committee. Both Town Board seats are now being Re-filled by Jeff Mayne -a defeated incumbent who was recently brought back by the Town Board. See my earlier comment. Jennison was recently defeated by Bob Piersma who is also acting as Town Codes Officer. In any event, below is a link to that letter.....hmmm...what brings this up???? Inquiring minds would like to know. http://www.madisoncountycourier.com/category/brookfield-new-york-news/
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Mt.Markham PRINCIPAL Arrested
According to the North Country Gazette (link below) the elementary principal at Mt. Markham Elementary School in West Winfield, James LaFountain 57, has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child after being accused of using excessive physical force while restraining a disruptive,third grade student.
.LaFountain denies the charge and has been placed on administrative leave. Check out this link....great site.
http://www.northcountrygazette.org/2012/02/08/lafountain_abuse/
.LaFountain denies the charge and has been placed on administrative leave. Check out this link....great site.
http://www.northcountrygazette.org/2012/02/08/lafountain_abuse/
Monday, February 6, 2012
SALKA FAMILY FUND
As many of you are aware, John SALKA's daughter, Emily, is seriously ill with a brain tumor. The MADISON COURIER did a nice piece on the family's efforts to obtain the best possible care for their daughter.... Am sure any parent can sympathize. Here is a link to the article for anyone who missed it. The Courier has also organized a fund account for donations to the family. Here is the article link and more information re: donations. LINK: http://www.madisoncountycourier.com/category/brookfield-new-york-news/ DONATIONS: The family will be facing numerous expenses not covered by insurance; the Courier will print any information we receive regarding benefits planned on behalf of the Salkas. In the meantime, the Courier will collect donations for the family made payable to John or Erin Salka and mailed in care of the paper at c/o M3P Media, LLC, P.O. Box 3, Wampsville, N.Y. 13163.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
LOCAL PRODUCE Sought by Waterville Restaurant
Below is a link to a CRAIG's List ad from a WATERVILLE RESTUARANT looking for locally grown produce and PROTEIN .. if you have an interest here is the link! Go/Grow Local!!!
Local Restaurant seeks local food - $1 (waterville)Local contemporary American fine Dinning restaurant in waterville seeks local farm fresh produce and protein.
Please Respond with Product and Price List.
http://utica.craigslist.org/grd/2827878418.html
Local Restaurant seeks local food - $1 (waterville)Local contemporary American fine Dinning restaurant in waterville seeks local farm fresh produce and protein.
Please Respond with Product and Price List.
http://utica.craigslist.org/grd/2827878418.html
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