At a budget hearing Monday night, Sea Cliff Mayor Eileen Krieb presented her proposed 2004-2005 village budget. It calls for an increase of $2.2648 per 100 dollars of assessed valuation. The mayor detailed the anticipated increases. "We have to contend with the same mandated expenses that school districts and other municipalities are facing. Our pension and medical insurance premiums have increased $63,871. We have also seen our garbage tipping fees increase another $17,000. We have a number of infrastructure costs that we have to address this year, such as the village hall roof and heating system repair, a fire alarm for the library, a new cross walk for Sea Cliff Avenue, intersections improvements on Glen Cove Avenue and some storm water drainage projects. We are adding a special software program for the building department that will provide us with a complete filing and tracking system for all building permits. These types of expenses will add another $158,200 to the budget. The treasurer, the board and I work very hard to control costs. We are very sensitive to the tax burden on our residents. For instance, we have begun requiring all village employees to contribute to medical insurance premiums and beginning in 2005 all retired employees will contribute. We have begun looking at longer terms for bonding capital equipment such as fire engines and garbage trucks as well as the possibility of leasing. This could reduce the financial impact on a single budget year. We are constantly seeking grant money to help us with important projects. We will receive $50,000 from Assemblyman Sidikman toward our drainage projects. Senator Marcellino is working on a $75,000 Multi Modal Grant for roadwork. County Legislator Diane Yatauro provided $35,000 in grants for new street lighting on Sea Cliff Avenue and Central Park. All of these efforts help us maintain and improve existing village services and help us in making important improvements to parks, streets and the public waterfront area."

The board will vote on the new budget at the April 19 public meeting.