Politics & Government
Old Field Budget Passage Paves the Way for Road Reconstruction
Reconstruction of dangerous village-owned roads in Old Field may begin this year.
Taxpayers in Old Field will be hit with a 14 percent tax increase this year in order to fund the reconstruction of public roads, the village announced Tuesday.
The 2012-2013 budget, which includes the capital road project, amounts to $1,010,000 and was passed with one dissenting vote from village mayor Michael Levine.
“Personally, from my perspective, it would be a pleasure to not have to raise taxes for at least one year,” Levine said. “If we did not go forward with the road improvement this year we would not have to raise taxes for one year.”
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The roads in question were deemed dangerous after was taken last September. The survey cost the village approximately $100,000 – money Levine said he feared would be wasted if the village did not go forward with construction at some point.
The village board agreed to hold another public meeting on Feb. 15 to further discuss the urgency and importance of the construction. The mayor reiterated that he did not wish to go forward with the project until more of the residents’ opinions were heard. If the project does not take place this year despite the tax increase, there will be a surplus of money to finance the reconstruction next year.
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“I think it's ridiculous to not go forward. We’re ready to go,” trustee Jeff Owen said. “The roads are a disaster, they are embarrassing and dangerous, and it needs to be done now.”
Levine said even if they hold one or two more meetings and postpone the roadwork, their lowest bidder for the construction has agreed to hold its bid through June 1.
