Notes from the Public Hearing held Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 5:15 PM, at the Keene Town Hall.  The following Town Board Members were present:  William B. Ferebee, Supervisor, Paul R. Martin, Marcy A. Neville and Lawrence Jaques, Members of Council.  Absent:  Robert M. Biesemeyer, Member of Council.  Also present were:  6 residents, 3 Representatives from Burnham Associates and Ellen Estes, Town Clerk.

The Chairman, Mr. Ferebee, called the Public Hearing to order at 5:15 PM explaining that this hearing was to discuss Local Law #1 of 2011, a Local Law to Override the Tax Levy Limit Established in General Municipal Law, Section 3-C.

He explained the background of this Local Law and said that the 2012 Budget was down to a 2.6% increase.  He said that 2% over the 2011 Budget amounts to a $53,000 increase.

Mr. Martin said that retirement was up $40,000 bringing it to $76,000, for what he attributed to the poor handling of funds on Wall Street.  He said this line item has never had that kind of increase, almost 100%.

Jere Bunn asked if this was something that would need to be done every year.

Mr. Ferebee said yes, saying it could be done for 5 consecutive years.

Mr. Martin spoke of the Circuit Breaker Program in the Legislature that is meant to keep people in their homes and its effect on the 2% tax cap.

Mr. Ferebee asked if there were any more comments or questions.

Louise Gregg commented that the drop in today’s stock market doesn’t help much either.

The hearing was closed at 5:21 PM.

                                                                                    Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk

                                                                                    November 15, 2011

William B. Ferebee, Supervisor

Paul R. Martin, Councilperson

Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson

Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson

Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson