Town of Hempstead Notebook: Tax Budget Freeze, Pathfinder Awards

Murray to Present Tax Freeze Budget

"Budgeting during an economic crisis is not easy," said Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, who announced earlier this week that she is crafting a budget that will freeze all town taxes for 2012. "I am working with my colleagues on the town board, and will present a tax-freeze budget that is accountable to taxpayers later this year. We will be able to do this because we have adhered to the simple yet profound Boy Scout credo, 'Be Prepared.'"

Murray pointed out that controlling the town's discretionary costs, as well as preparing a multi-year fiscal plan and adjusting budgeted amounts such as mortgage recording revenues for the current economic downturn have resulted in rock solid budgets that have earned the highest available Wall Street credit ratings (AAA, Moody's Investor Service; AAA, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services).

Murray's administration has also rejected reliance on "one-shot" (non-recurring) revenues to balance budgets and avoided increased borrowing to meet ongoing government costs. According to Hempstead Town, these measures have protected the township's residents from the fiscal instability that plagues the federal government, New York State and many localities.

Nine Women Honored With Pathfinder Award

Murray and members of the Hempstead Town Board honored nine women who live or work in the Town of Hempstead for their outstanding contributions to the community at the town's annual Pathfinder Awards ceremony Tuesday.

The nine women honored were:

• For Arts & Entertainment: Katy Miller (Atlantic Beach)
• For Business: Tanisha A'see (manager of Bethpage Federal Credit Union's Roosevelt branch)
• For Community Affairs: Sister Christine Sammon (Director of Parish Social Ministry for St. Bernard's Church in Levittown)
• For Education: Paula Lein (Principal of the Archer Street School in Freeport)
• For Health Services: Suzanne Kornblatt (Woodmere)
• High School Senior: Regina Zick (Baldwin High School)
• Humanitarian: Bernadette Smith (Floral Park)
• Volunteer: Nina Lanci (Bellmore)
• Town of Hempstead Employee: Judy Zeitlin (Bellmore)

Town Starts Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program

While shrink wrap serves a vital role during boat storage periods, the non-biodegradable plastic covering can clog landfills and find its way into local waterways when it’s discarded in the spring. The Town of Hempstead’s shrink wrap recycling program is making it easier for boaters to protect the planet and enjoy boating at the same time.

Marinas and private boat owners can bring their shrink wrap down to the town’s sanitation facility located at 1600 Merrick Road in Merrick, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. In addition, residential boat owners may drop off shrink wrap on Saturdays and Sundays, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This service is free of charge. Shrink wrap deposited for recycling must be free of lumber, rope, nails and garbage.