Brookhaven Notebook: Town Closes Out Capital Projects for Savings

The town board on Tuesday approved a resolution that closed out old, inactive, or completed capitol projects with remaining monetary balances amounting to $3 million.

The move brings the total amount of closed capital projects to $13 million, which saves the town money by reducing the town's debt service by around $600,000 a year for 15 years. About $11 million of that $13 million total savings comes from the town's general fund.

“By making cuts in spending and practicing fiscal discipline and conservative budgeting today, we are laying the groundwork for a more stable economic future,” town supervisor Mark Lesko said in a statement. “The town’s recent action to slash debt and save about $13 million will help us to come into compliance with the debt management cap, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters last year.”

Lesko was referring to a November 2010 referendum approved by voters that established a debt management cap, which limits debt service in the general fund to "no more than 15% of revenues or expenditures, whichever is less."

An outbreak of ringworm among the shelter's canine population caused the town to close the shelter to new adoptions and resident drop-offs this week. A town official called the outbreak a widespread one happening in public and private shelters across the country. The town shelter is still accepting stray animals, as required by law, and those looking for a lost pet will still have limited access to be able to identify the missing animal.

The Town of Brookhaven on Monday unveiled a partnership with Recyclebank in which residents can earn rewards for recycling. The town estimates it can save around $1 million per year and families can earn around $100 per year in benefits from participating businesses through the program. It requires registration at the program's website, after which residents earn benefits by reporting what they are recycling. Participating businesses include Bobbique, Patchogue Theater, and Brick House Brewery in Patchogue, Blue Point Brewery in Blue Point, and Monster Mini Golf in Medford, as well as participating McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Bed Bath & Beyond and Macy's stores.