James Gray

The Town of Granby's budget for FY2023 includes appropriations, estimated revenues, and supplemental information. The town has achieved a balanced budget in the highway fund for the fifth year through multi-year planning. The budget addresses rising fuel and utility prices by increasing the tax levy for the highway department, while aiming to offset this with decreases in the general and water fund levies. It also accounts for increasing pension costs, unemployment taxes, and health insurance premiums. The budget continues with the salary and wage plan, adjusting wages to align with minimum wage and county-wide mean salaries, and funds a sixth position in the highway department. Modernization efforts include a new website for transparency and restructuring the codes department, with a new online citizen services portal to streamline processes.

The annual budget process includes funding priorities such as code enforcement, road repair, and safer roads. The budget addresses trends in maintenance and repair costs by planning for the purchase of new trucks and a Gradall. It also accounts for higher fuel and utility prices, increased NYS Retirement contributions, and property insurance costs. The Town Board passed a local law to override the tax cap for the upcoming year. The budget includes a salary and wage plan to keep current with minimum wage and county-wide mean salaries, and a part-time clerk position has been added. Modernization efforts include a new website and a restructured codes department with an online citizen services portal.

The meeting included resolutions for the designation of the official town website and depository, establishing a mileage rate for 2022, adopting investment and deposit policies, payroll authorization, and appointments to the Board of Assessment Review, ZBA, and Planning Board. Also covered were pre-approved bill payments, an audit of financial records, reaffirmation of town policies, delegation to the Annual Meeting of the Association of Towns, delegation of administration of special improvement districts, authorization of blanket undertaking for all Town Officers and the meeting schedule. Assignments and appointments of various town positions were announced.

The board meeting included discussions on a letter from the Unified Court System regarding the annual audit of the Court's books, and letters to State Representatives about state funding resources and concerns over a Public Service Law affecting local control over green energy projects. Reports were heard from the Supervisor, Town Clerk/Tax Collector, Code Enforcement/Zoning, Dog Control Officer, Assessor, Planning Board, and ZBA. The Highway Superintendent discussed cleaning shoulders, plowing, brush cutting, and the need for more funds in the budget for salt. The board also discussed mowing agreements, bridge repairs, and quotes for gutters and flooring. A bid for mowing at the Town Hall and cemeteries was accepted. Items for a work session were identified, and town bills were approved for payment.

The board held a public hearing for the Code Enforcement Local Law, which provides legal authority to enforce the fire and building code for the State of New York locally. The board discussed garbage cleanup in town, drainage issues, and building maintenance on German-Dale Drive. They reviewed communications, announcements, and reports from various departments, including the Dog Control Officer, Code Enforcement/Zoning, Supervisor, Highway Superintendent, Town Clerk/Tax Collector, and Justice. The board also discussed the roles of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board. Additionally, the board discussed possible litigation, an update on litigation, and contract negotiations during the executive session. The board accepted the Teamster proposal to move the Highway workers' summer hours start date from May 2, 2022, to April 4, 2022, and from May 1, 2023, to April 3, 2023, to sunset at the end of the contract.