From the Desk of Rick McCabe

To the residents of East Greenbush

I hope everyone is surviving the winter.  Thankfully, we have missed the brunt of Mother Nature’s fury.  The respite from snow has given our DPW workers the opportunity to work on projects that had been put off.  Both the town garage and police station are getting a once-over and are looking better every day.

Joe Cherubino and Jim Moore have taken the lead on investigating energy saving projects to be awarded by NYSERDA. We should be hearing from the agency very soon.

One topic that has been widely discussed, in many venues, is the audit of town finances that has been proposed.  As I have said repeatedly, we have no problem with an audit of past budgetary matters. Also, the Town Board has created a Finance Committee whose role will be to recommend future financial procedures.  We have authorized a consultant to work with us on improving our bond status.  This expert advice will provide us with the information that will allow us to move forward and to achieve positive results.  I expect that we will be able to take action on this issue during our March meeting.

As Spring Approaches, we ask that you please remember how everyday activites can have an affect on stormwater and our environment.

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that doesn't soak into the ground but runs off into waterways. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and through sloped lawns while picking up a variety of materials on its way. The quality of runoff is affected by a variety of factors and depends on the season, local meteorology, geography and upon activities which lie in the path of the flow.

Whats the Problem?

As it flows, stormwater runoff collects and transports pollutants to surface waters.

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Town of East Greenbush has been awarded a grant in the amount of $275,000 for the purchase and installation of a 50 kW Photovoltaic System at the Department of Public Works garage. This system will produce approximately 67% of the annual energy required to run the facility and an estimated maximum annual cost savings of $14,783. The project will benefit the environment with annual emission reductions of:

1. CO₂: 55,876 lbs
2. SO₂: 180 lbs
3. N₂0: 62.74 lbs

Upon completion, the performance and environmental impact of this project will be posted on the town’s website for the public to monitor.

It’s NOT too late!  You may be eligible for an Exemption on your property – the deadline to file is March 1, 2010.

Residential STAR (Basic) is available to all property owners, regardless of age or income.  To be eligible, applicant must own and reside on the property, as of March 1, 2010.

 Proof of residency is required.

 Enhanced STAR (Senior) is available to those property owners, who are 65 years of age or older and for property owners who will be 65 years of age in 2010.  Single and combined incomes cannot exceed $74,700 on the 2008 Federal Adjusted Gross Income Tax Return. 

 Proof of residency is required.

Partial Tax Exemption of Aged Persons is available to those property owners, who are 65 years of age and for property owners who will be 65 years of age in the 2010 year.  Single and combined incomes of husband and wife cannot exceed a 2009 Gross Income of $37,400. (Income includes wages, pensions, and social security – contact your Department of Assessment for more details.)

 Proof of Residency is required.

Persons with Disabilities and Limited Incomes

No age requirement –income requirement is the same as the partial tax exemption of aged persons.  Proof of Residency is required. Proof of disability required is:  Benefit Letter from the Social Security Administration, Certificate from the State Commission for the Blind or Award letters from the US Postal Service, Railroad Retirement Board or Department of Veterans Affairs.

For further details on the above information or to inquire about other types of exemptions, please call Susan F. McCarthy, Assessor at 518-477-9710 

Your Property Tax bills are now available online

The Town  has made it possible for residents to access their tax bills online
by entering  the East Greenbush online Tax System. This system allows you to search
your property taxes from any computer with access to the
Internet by entering the following website links.

For Town of East Greenbush tax information click here:
http://egov.basny.com/EastGreenbush/

For East Greenbush Central School District tax information click here:
http://egov.basny.com/eastgreenbushcentralschool/

If you have any comments or questions, please call Toni Murphy,
Receiver of Taxes at 518-477-4810.