How much can the taxpayer take? In this time of economic difficulties unparalleled in most of our lifetimes the Town Board of Mamakating has passed a budget that in my eyes is woefully inadequate. The tax increase associated with the 2010 budget is 10.3%. While this seems to be not entirely overwhelming, it does not reflect some of the underlying circumstances that make this completely unacceptable.

First is the fact that in an effort to bring the town back towards financial stability the 2009 tax increase was over 16%, making the two year cumulative total tax increase upwards of 25%.

Second is the fact that the income of the taxpayer, in a good scenario, is remaining the same, and in many cases is dropping, as employers are cutting hours and laying off employees to keep their business afloat. Even social security recipients are not getting an increase this year.

Third is the fact that the 2010 budget for the Town of Mamakating increases the percentage of expenditures for entitlements from 22% to over 25% of the total budget. More simply stated the taxpayer is carrying a greater burden and getting fewer goods and services for their dollar.

The fourth is the fact that the Town of Mamakating is glaringly out of pace with comparable towns that surround us. One thing that separates us from our neighbors is that we as taxpayers are not only paying for medical insurance for our elected officials but for their families as well. The cost of this insurance is staggering and results in a considerable cost to the taxpayer, who in many cases either pays through the nose or cannot even afford insurance. For a single coverage plan the cost to the taxpayer is over $7,000 per year and an additional $8,000-plus for family coverage, totaling over $15,000 per official per year, the total cost of which is borne on the shoulders of the taxpayer.

While this issue was being debated I heard many arguments from my colleagues. I was told that the town board was taking a 10% cut in pay, I was told I did not understand because I did not have children, another board member took to waving a picture of his children in my face, and I was told that other towns provide much more compensation to their elected officials, I was even told I was "being political."

My response to my colleagues arguments are simple; a 10% cut in pay is still only a tiny portion of the cost of the benefit, in some cases a little more than $800 annually for a $15,000 benefit. I do have an idea of the responsibility put upon a parent; I see it every day interacting with my 15 nieces and nephews, my friends, my neighbors and constituents. I don't need to see a picture of children to know that I see children on my street without life insurance, while their parents have to pay for the children of others. I went to other towns, reviewed their budgets, reviewed their policies, spoke to their Town Supervisors, Town Clerks or Comptrollers, and the reality is the compensation is not very much different, actually in some cases they are paid less, and almost all contribute to the family portion of their insurance — and many have to pay for the whole benefit, including the single-coverage portion. And most of all, if "BEING POLITICAL" means not taking from the taxpayer and sharing the same financial challenges to move our town forward then paint me political because in all the arguments I've heard, the one phrase that was never used was the phrase "BENEFIT TO THE TAXPAYER."

Now I am calling on the taxpayer to stand with me at the next town board meeting to give the Mamakating town board the direction it needs to better represent its constituents. The proposal is simple, have elected officials contribute the family portion of their health insurance. Although the budget is passed, and it would not be financially practical to return it to the taxpayer this year, it can be put in an interest bearing account and used to mitigate any tax increase for 2011. For every four elected officials that contribute the family portion of their health care it makes up one full percentage point in taxes. This issue will be addressed at the Tuesday December 29, 2009 town board meeting at 6:00 pm. Mamakating Town Hall, Route 209, in Wurtsboro, New York. Please help me put taxpayer money back in the hands of the taxpayer. I look forward to seeing you there and thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Edward "Teddy" Brebbia
Mamakating Town Councilman