April 9, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

A few updates...

• Annual Budget: I am pleased to report that the Board of Trustees adopted the tentative budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. This is the sixth year in a row with no tax increase and the budget falls under the NYS 2% tax cap. I would like to thank Clerk Nancy Rittenhouse and Treasurer Emily Hayes for the excellent job they do. The Village received notice that the State Comptroller has given Asharoken the highest rating of No Designation in the annual financial stress test.
• Fireworks: The Board of Trustees will be moving forward with the Fourth of July fireworks by Grucci. We feel that the issues with the pandemic should be favorable for the fireworks. If circumstances should change the option is always open to postpone the event. I am really looking forward to a wonderful Fourth of July.
• Seawall: On April 23rd Deputy Mayor Pierce and I met with Congressman Tom Suozzi to review the condition of the seawall and discuss possible funding options in the proposed infrastructure bill. The Village will work on estimates for the project and communicate this to Congressman Suozzi. Deputy Mayor Pierce and I met with a contractor to get an estimate for replacing the toe stones that have shifted seaward of the wall. The Village received a quote for approximately $7200 to complete the project. I contacted the Town of Huntington for assistance with this repair. Over the last six years, under the leadership of Supervisors Petrone and Lupinacci, the Town and Village have shared the cost of several important projects, we are hoping that this project will be no different.
• National Grid Gas Main: The gas main replacement between Village Hall and 285 Asharoken Avenue will begin in several weeks. Drive carefully throughout the work zone as flag & construction workers will be on the road. Once the main is replaced, NG will begin connecting homes to the new main. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. National Grid will repave Asharoken Avenue from Village hall to 285 and the Village will repave Asharoken Avenue between house numbers 355 - 501. The Village will cover the cost of the section it is repaving using a $70,000 grant and CHIPS money. This will be the fourth major repaving project on Asharoken Avenue since I became Mayor in 2012.
• Public Safety Funds: We received notice from Suffolk County Executive Bellone, that our public safety will be restored. The Village will be receiving the full $58,000. The Village may be receiving financial support from the last pandemic relief bill, passed by Congress. The amount is still unknown.
• PBA Contract: Our police contract will expire this May. Over the last 30 years the PBA and the Village negotiated multiple contracts, which have been fair to both parties. I am optimistic that this year will be no different.
• Building Permits: If you are considering any tree removal or construction on your property, please contact Village Hall at 631-261-7098. Getting the proper permits will avoid any delays and/or fines.

Wishing you a great weekend, stay well.
Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica

April 1, 2021

Dear Neighbors:

Linda and I would like to wish you and your family a very happy Easter. I look forward, with hope and anticipation, that better times are not too far away.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend.

Warmest regards;
Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica

March 29, 2021

The Board of Trustees will be holding a public hearing on the tentative budget for the fiscal year ending 5/31/22. Below you will find the tentative budget message and detail budget statements. Copies are also available at Village Hall by appointment only.

Please email questions or comments to nrittenhouse@asharokenny.org or attend the public hearing via teleconference on April 6th at 6:30pm.

To join the teleconference:

1. Call 866-705-2554
2. Follow the directions
3. Enter Guest Pass Code 137432

Linda and I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Passover, enjoy.

Best,
Mayor Greg Letica

March 25, 2021

Dear Neighbors:

It is my pleasure to provide you with a copy of the Tentative Budget and supporting documents for fiscal year ending 5/31/22 proposing no village tax increase and a tax levy that stays under the NYS 2% Tax Cap Law. Click here to view the Tentative Budget and supporting documents in detail.

This will be the sixth consecutive budget with no tax increase. In addition, for the last six years, the Office of State Comptroller has performed a Fiscal Stress test on local governments. Each year Asharoken was awarded the highest possible rating, "No Designation." The 2021-2022 budget maintains all the services that the Village provides for its residents and reserves money for future needs without raising taxes for the next fiscal year.

Highlighting several items within the Tentative Budget:

• Public Safety revenue has decreased due to lower County sales tax revenue.
• Building permit fee revenue increased due to increased activity.
• Our NYS pension fund increased due to higher pension rates. We should see this rate decrease next year to reflect the current markets.
• Police Personnel, and the Fire/EMS/Paramedic service contract with the Northport Fire District has increased.
• Other increases occurred in Operating Costs and Sanitation Landfill costs.

I would like to thank Clerk Nancy Rittenhouse and Treasurer Emily Hayes for helping prepare this budget. Together they have worked on the last thirteen budgets and their expertise really shows.

As part of the regularly scheduled Board Meeting on April 6th at 6:30pm, via teleconference, a public hearing on the budget will be held as required by law. You can email your comments or questions to nrittenhouse@asharokenny.org if you are unable to call in. Any emailed comments or questions will be addressed at the meeting and will become part of the official record.

To join the teleconference:

1. Call 866-705-2554
2. Follow the directions
3. Enter Guest Pass Code 137432

I look forward to hearing your comments.
Mayor Greg Letica