In recent weeks I have had the opportunity to meet with other municipal officials from around Westchester County. Every locality in Westchester has a big pothole problem---our roads are in bad shape. And, if we want to comply with the property tax cap we can’t spend the funds needed to repave all the roads that need to be repaved.
The NYS Legislature recently approved an increase in CHIPS funding of $40 million state-wide. The funding increase to localities helps a little but not very much.
Although local governments are trying to keep property taxes down – I worry that in a few years our roads will be in worst shape. It’s going to be very expensive to get NY roads in the shape they should be. If roads around the state are in bad condition, it will also have an impact on property values.
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MY SUGGESTION---I recommend that the NYS Legislature consider placing on the ballot a road repaving infrastructure bond act. The Legislature, consulting with local, county and state governments, should determine how much funds are needed for the infrastructure road repaving projects. Let the people vote on this initiative. If the referendum is approved local governments would be able to repave more roads without increasing property taxes since funds would come from the bond act.
I also request that the state review the formula currently being used for CHIPS reimbursement. The Greenburgh Commissioner of Public Works provided me with the following analysis:
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A review of the chips funding table from the NYS DOT web page. What I notice is Towns are reimbursed from CHIPS funds at a rate much less than Cities, Counties, and Villages. While not exact, average numbers suggest a city, county or village is reimbursed at nearly $1,476, dollars per center lane mile of roadway, while towns are only reimbursed at $667 per center lane mile.
Looking at the average reimbursement rate for larger towns, such as Brookhaven, Hempstead, Islip, Babylon variations occurs ranging from ($598 - $689) with Greenburgh at $678. Closer to home, our rate is greater than Yorktown $587, Bedford $587 and Cortland $526. I also see some Towns have reimbursement rates as high as $986, and one Town, Seneca Falls is $1,506.75 the highest of any Town.
The formula used is not available on the web site.
In general, I say we are getting our fair share relative to other Towns, but not relative to Cities, Counties, and Villages. It appears there is a large discrepancy between Towns and the other municipal types.
I would ask why a Town is treated differently than a City, County, or Village.
Thanks so much.
PAUL FEINER
GreenburghTown Supervisor
