SUBMITTED by Vicky Daly, Village of Palmyra (20-Mar-2012)
Conversation with the Mayor
Even in this little village that there is a lot going on. It takes a walk around the village, stopping to chat with folks to catch up. If that does not fit your current time schedule, here are a few things you should know.
Frank Hasseltine now has the appropriate NYS certification to ship wine outside of New York State. Keep that in mind for gifts, preferably from Finger Lakes wineries, to friends and family.
Donna McPike’s Muddy Waters is featuring regional musicians on Friday evenings, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, with food and beverage service. It’s a delightful way to start the weekend, especially with this unseasonably lovely weather we are currently enjoying.
The Graham family, owners of Custom 31 and Lock 29, would probably appreciate positive comments on their newly painted façade. A fresh coat of paint, especially with attention to the historic details, breathes new life into a building. Curb appeal depends upon the attention owners of both shops and businesses, as well as houses, give to welcoming friends and customers. It says the owners value their property and their friends, and in the case of businesses, their customers. Side bar: Both at home and on Main Street this is clean up, spruce up time. It is also time for me to remind village merchants that the village has matching grants for façade painting ( paint has to be purchased in Palmyra, of course ) and other façade work and signage. To learn the specifics call the Village Office, 597-4849. If a micro-loan could be helpful to your business, ask about that as well.
Last week Wayne Goodman, Executive Director, Landmark Society of Western New York, spoke at our Preservation Commission’s Ninth Period History Class. The LSWNY is celebrating its 75th birthday beginning with the Annual Conference, this year Saturday, April 21st at Colgate Rochester Divinity School. The theme, It’s About NOW pays respect to its history but emphasizes the relevance and importance of preservation in today’s economy and emphasis on energy efficiency and being green. I registered today to take advantage of the early bird rate. Get the details at www.landmarksociety.org. The conference is not only educational, it is fun – nice people, beautiful sites and helpful, and great ideas to save you money and be energy efficient.
At its March 19th meeting, the Palmyra Village Board passed its 2012-2013 village budget. Considering that the expenses over which we have absolutely no control, like pensions and health care, rose anywhere from 9.6% for Police retirement to 14% for health care, and that everything else has risen and continues to do so, I think we did pretty well. The tax levy, the total amount of money to be collected through taxes, rose 3% and the tax rate itself, 2.8%. We had passed the tax override resolution months ago at the recommendation of NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and exceeded the 2% cap by not quite $10,000, roughly 10 cents on the tax rate. We wanted to be at 2% but that would have meant a reduction in staff, and therefore in service. What we heard at the formal public hearings from all but 2 speakers was that you did not want that to happen. You want streets plowed and local police protection. You want the Fire Trucks to have the fuel to answer calls. That and so much more require people, their equipment and supplies. Next January when the budget meetings are announced, attend and be part of the process. They are all open to the public.
Conversation with the Mayor
Even in this little village that there is a lot going on. It takes a walk around the village, stopping to chat with folks to catch up. If that does not fit your current time schedule, here are a few things you should know.
Frank Hasseltine now has the appropriate NYS certification to ship wine outside of New York State. Keep that in mind for gifts, preferably from Finger Lakes wineries, to friends and family.
Donna McPike’s Muddy Waters is featuring regional musicians on Friday evenings, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, with food and beverage service. It’s a delightful way to start the weekend, especially with this unseasonably lovely weather we are currently enjoying.
The Graham family, owners of Custom 31 and Lock 29, would probably appreciate positive comments on their newly painted façade. A fresh coat of paint, especially with attention to the historic details, breathes new life into a building. Curb appeal depends upon the attention owners of both shops and businesses, as well as houses, give to welcoming friends and customers. It says the owners value their property and their friends, and in the case of businesses, their customers. Side bar: Both at home and on Main Street this is clean up, spruce up time. It is also time for me to remind village merchants that the village has matching grants for façade painting ( paint has to be purchased in Palmyra, of course ) and other façade work and signage. To learn the specifics call the Village Office, 597-4849. If a micro-loan could be helpful to your business, ask about that as well.
Last week Wayne Goodman, Executive Director, Landmark Society of Western New York, spoke at our Preservation Commission’s Ninth Period History Class. The LSWNY is celebrating its 75th birthday beginning with the Annual Conference, this year Saturday, April 21st at Colgate Rochester Divinity School. The theme, It’s About NOW pays respect to its history but emphasizes the relevance and importance of preservation in today’s economy and emphasis on energy efficiency and being green. I registered today to take advantage of the early bird rate. Get the details at www.landmarksociety.org. The conference is not only educational, it is fun – nice people, beautiful sites and helpful, and great ideas to save you money and be energy efficient.
At its March 19th meeting, the Palmyra Village Board passed its 2012-2013 village budget. Considering that the expenses over which we have absolutely no control, like pensions and health care, rose anywhere from 9.6% for Police retirement to 14% for health care, and that everything else has risen and continues to do so, I think we did pretty well. The tax levy, the total amount of money to be collected through taxes, rose 3% and the tax rate itself, 2.8%. We had passed the tax override resolution months ago at the recommendation of NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and exceeded the 2% cap by not quite $10,000, roughly 10 cents on the tax rate. We wanted to be at 2% but that would have meant a reduction in staff, and therefore in service. What we heard at the formal public hearings from all but 2 speakers was that you did not want that to happen. You want streets plowed and local police protection. You want the Fire Trucks to have the fuel to answer calls. That and so much more require people, their equipment and supplies. Next January when the budget meetings are announced, attend and be part of the process. They are all open to the public.
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Cathy Said,
Thanks, Vicky, for continuing to inform Palmyrans and Wayne County of things happening in Palmyra. Much appreciated!
Cathy Contant
Posted on Thu Mar 22, 09:20:00 AM EDT