05/01/2025
Dear Village Taxpayers,
As your elected official, it is my responsibility to make decisions that safeguard our village's future and ensure the wise use of taxpayer dollars. Recently, I have made the difficult decision to propose the dissolution of our Planning Board. I understand this may raise questions, and I would like to take a moment to explain the reasoning behind this decision.
1. Streamlining Village Operations: Our village is small, and a Planning Board is no longer necessary. It has not been used in over 15 years and costs taxpayers over $8,000 each year. This money could be better spent on projects and services that directly benefit our community. We already have a comprehensive plan and a Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) in place, which provide the structure needed for development and land use decisions.
2. Inefficiency and Roadblocks: The last time the Planning Board was involved, it took over four months to open a simple ice cream shop. The owner was made to jump through unnecessary hoops, and when she approached the Planning Board, they had no idea how to begin or what was involved. We had to bring in outside experts to guide the board through the process. This delay and inefficiency are not acceptable when we are trying to encourage business development and foster a thriving community.
3. A Better Use of Resources: Our village’s Code Enforcement Officer, a highly competent professional, brought this issue to my attention. After careful consideration and consultation with the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM), it became clear that the Planning Board was an unnecessary and costly expense. By dissolving the Planning Board, we will eliminate a redundant layer of bureaucracy and use our resources more effectively.
4. Making the Right Decision for the Future: I understand that some of the decisions I have made may not be popular with everyone. However, as I have consistently stated, the village must operate like a business, not based on our feelings or political motivations. Over the years, decisions have often been influenced by emotions or personal interests, rather than by what is best for the long-term health of the village. The hard truth is that if we do not change how we operate, the village we all love will not grow or thrive.
5. A Vote of Accountability: At the next board meeting, I will be proposing the dissolution of the Planning Board. If the trustees choose not to support this decision, I encourage you to ask them why they are willing to continue wasting over $8,000 of our taxpayer dollars each year. I am committed to making decisions that will move this village forward, and I hope you will join me in supporting this important change.
In conclusion, this decision is about more than just saving money—it’s about ensuring that our village has the resources and structure it needs to grow and succeed in the future. While some may not agree with every decision I make, I am always motivated by what is best for the community. As I’ve said all along, this village needs to operate as a business, not based on feelings. For far too long, business has been conducted based on emotions or political reasons. It's not about personal feelings or emotions—it's about doing what's right to move the village forward. If we don’t make these hard decisions now, the village we all love and care about will not grow.
Together, we can create a village that is fiscally responsible, efficient, and ready for the challenges ahead.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Sincerely,
Tim Mosher
Village Mayor
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