WURTSBORO — Councilman Matt Taylor presented the Town of Mamakating's $6.6 million which stayed below the two percent tax cap.

Two notable issues brought up during the prsenation and public comment session concerned the town supervisor's salary and the highway department budget.

A few residents took to the podium and expressed that the small reduction proposed the town supervisor's pay (from $30,576 in 2019 to $29,000 in the 2020 preliminary budget) was not fair to the town supervisor. The job that Bill Herrmann had and the job that Janet Lybolt will take over is considered by many to be a full-time job in and of itself, but only a part-time salary is paid.

Several residents expressed their concerns that the salary should not be lowered, but should at least remain what it was for the next year.

Nicholas Salomone Jr., current councilman who was recently elected to become the county legislator for District 4, agreed with that sentiment.

It was also noted that the deputy supervisor should receive a higher stipend. Brenda Giraldi, the current deputy supervisor, noted that she receives $5,000 currently, but would be satisfied with $2,000. She said, “it is a community service.”

She said she's been happy to put the time in and “would do so all over again.”

Robert Hufcut, who recently won the highway superintendent position, spoke about his concerns for the budget for the Highway Department.

According to Hufcut, the department currently needs three mechanics to keep up with the maintenance of the trucks the department uses. The new budget projects a $47,494 decrease for mechanics. Hufcut asked the board to reconsider, stating that the “Highway Department cannot function” with just two mechanics for the winter season.

Hufcut also asked the board to reconsider the budget for new equipment. The current budget for new equipment is $50,000. Hufcut recommended a minimum of $250,000 each year to purchase a new truck and to replace older trucks. He asked if there was any way to increase that budget with money that was left over from the previous year's budget or to move anything around to make these accommodations.

Hufcut noted that there are two trucks within the department currently that “need to go.”

The town board did not disagree with Hufcut's claims and was glad for the feedback. Taylor recommended Hufcut work with the new town board to make a list of what needs to be replaced or repaired and make a schedule to carry out the replacements in a way that will be cost effective and practical.

Brenda Giraldi noted that the department could get more monetary value out of older trucks if new trucks are regularly purchased because older trucks could be resold with some leftover value. She also noted that with newer trucks, the need for maintenance would surely go down, and the department could save money there as well.

In a heartwarming moment at the end of the meeting, Giraldi asked everyone to give a round of applause to the two veterans in the room. Chris Leser served in the Air Force, and Fred Harding served in the Army. The round of applause turned into a standing ovation for the service and bravery of these two veterans.

The next Mamakating Town Board meeting will occur on November 19, 2019. The board will present the budget once again and vote to accept the budget.