Brookfield School BUDGET VOTE - Noon to 9PM JUNE 17 Tuesday

Please do not forget to vote on the BCS school budget ! This budget will require 60% voter approval. The BCS Administration has mislead public into thinking the school will close if this budget is not passed -- that BCS is educationally "insolvent"... it's not insolvent it is OBSOLETE !!! This Board and Administration does not plan ahead -- they simply look "behind" --- the way things "used to be"....well folks, it's the 21st century and these high schoolers (7th - 12th grade) deserve a 21st century education and to get out in the "world" !!! Pre-k to sixth grade could remain at the BCS building, but high school kids deserve an education...not "baby sitting"! Just take a look what Waterville, Mt. Markham, Hamilton & Unadilla Valley offer their 7th-12th grades... NOTE: We pay almost $500,000 (half a million !! ?) per YEAR for the debt service on the past capital projects! Wake up this Administration and vote NO!

Medicare/Medicaid Informational Workshop WEDNESDAY June 18 at 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY - JUNE 18 at 7:00 p.m. WATERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Medicare/Medicaid Informational Workshop - Your Health is Important. If you are interested in Medicare or Medicaid, and believe you are eligible,come learn more from Gerda Mortelette, Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network, & Eileen Hoffman, Licensed Agent for United Health Care in this free informational only workshop. Info courtesy of: athomeinthehuddle2014.blogspot.com

DAVE RAY - R.I.P.

...Just received sad news that Town Justice Dave Ray passed away yesterday, Saturday, April 26. Our sympathy to Dave's family and many friends.

BCS - "Poor Grades" from State Auditors!

Like many of you who received the April 25 letter from BCS Superintendent & Business Mgr Jim Plows, I was puzzled by this terse message regarding an unnamed article in the OD and referencing a negative fund balance at BCS. So, what was this all about? ....was it the article that listed BCS as one of 4 schools in all of CNY on the State Ed's "financially stressed" list? >.....or was it referring to the NY State Comptroller's April audit report criticizing BCS' financial management practices? .....or maybe it was referring to the audit's warning that the district was spending $500,000 more than it received in the past six years? Like many of you, we only know about this from outside sources. This Board & Administration owe the taxpayers a clearer picturer of the School District's finances rather than these cryptic notes and outside news sources. This the same Board & Management seeking to override the tax cap in this May 20 budget vote. BCS needs to get its house in order before asking taxpayers for any more money. We deserve to know the WHOLE STORY regarding BCS's financial predicament .... If you agree, I urge you to vote NO at the upcoming School Budget vote scheduled for May 20. Here is an official summary of the State Comptroller's audit and findings .......... Key Findings · The District appropriated fund balance as a funding source in amounts that exceeded the fund balance actually available and spent almost $500,000 more than it received over the past three years. · The Board did not receive budget-to-actual or budget transfer reports. · The Board has not developed a multiyear financial plan. Key Recommendations · Budget for and maintain a reasonable amount of fund balance. · Provide the Board with monthly budget status reports. · Develop and regularly update a multiyear financial plan. the full audit can be found at.... http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/schools/2014/brookfield.htm

Bill Magee to face Democratic primary challenge

A Sherrill city commissioner and former Oneida County legislator plans to challenge Assemblyman Bill Magee to a Democratic primary. Mike Hennessy said he wants to run because he feels the farming industry in the 121st Assembly District has been neglected under Magee's tenure in Albany. He also thinks a new lawmaker could do more to bring attention to the Central New York district from federal representatives to help dairy farmers with fluctuating milk prices and stave off closing businesses. See full article from Syracuse Post Standard http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/03/bill_magee_to_face_democratic_primary_challenge_for_121st_ny_assembly_district.html

TOWN COURT - DA Night

On March 4, a couple of us attended "DA" DISTRICT ATTORNEY Night at the Brookfield Town Court. VERY Enlightening... here are our observations:....Must say... a surprise in every respect!...crowded - standing room only with people also lined up the staircase. Rough estimated 60+.... the 8 page "Docket" was available Tuesday morning. Very detailed. Includes defendant, charges, arresting officer, date of arrest, est. Without looking at the docket, I would estimate about 60-65% were motor vehicle tickets...ouch! those "surcharges" $150-200 on top of the ticket!!!... the balance included harrassment, trespass, child endangerment and a few DEC/Conservation charges. Both Madison Co. Sheriff office and Conservation officers were present (Con officer only one with the flack jacket!) .... Judge Brown started the proceedings at 4PM and Judge Ray later followed as they both took cases to work through the docket. Despite size of crowd it was orderly and a system. More serious cases seem to be adjourned to the next DA night (May 6)... an attempted arson charge was settled with the defendant heading out that night to serve his remaining 25 days of a 30 day sentence. Interesting that "adjournments" may have been mistakenly interpreted as "getting off".... Adjournments to the next DA night were not uncommon due to defendants not having met requirements like defensive driving courses, etc. .... however a couple of strange vehicle cases for one person dating back to 2007 and 2011...??? Overall, pleasantly surprised and amazed...worth attending.... left thinking these guys deserve a raise....($5,974 each per year). FOLLOW UP COMMENT FROM FELLOW OBSERVER: Yes. Was very interesting to watch the DA and Public Defender play "Let's Make a Deal"! The judges have no say in that and just levy fines and/or jail sentences. It will be very interesting to see what happens on the other court nights when the DA isn't there, essentially "directing the show". ......My hope is that we can turn this situation into a positive by giving people incentive to work together. Most import will be people being willing to stand up and say when they see something illegal going on, instead of being afraid.

ANIMAL RESCUE - Brookfield - 20 Dogs & Cats Found

Nearly 20 dogs and a half a dozen cats have been rescued from a home in Madison County after the Brookfield Dog Control Officer found them living in unsanitary conditions. Just reported by WSYR...thanks to new dog officer Dineen ! Rumor has it the dogs were located in North Brookfield...full article and picutres on WSYR...link here: http://www.localsyr.com/story/d/story/rescuers-more-than-20-animals-rescued-from-unsanit/24634/bAgenMtVkkabIVvhWWZMog