Scarsdale Forum Voices Support for Proposed 2019-20 Village Budget

The Scarsdale Forum’s Fiscal Affairs Scarsdale Committee just issued its report on Scarsdale Village's proposed 2019-20 budget, stating that village staff and administrators have prepared a plan that "maintains existing service levels residents have been accustomed to over the past decade at a modest tax increase, well under the state-calculated property tax cap."

The budget proposes expenditures of $58,025,449, which represents an increase in the tax levy of $1,166,747, or 2.91 percent over the current fiscal year. The New York State tax cap for the village's 2019-20 fiscal year is 3.32 percent.

In its report, which was approved via the Scarsdale Forum's expeditious treatment provision, the committee commended the Scarsdale Board of Trustees for its rigorous collaboration with staff in preparing the budget and making the process open to residents. It noted that the board participated in a number of public meetings on the budget and planning process, including a special presentation, Taxes 10583, jointly sponsored by the League of Women Voters and Scarsdale Forum.

In addition, the committee addressed the budgetary effect of recent federal tax law limiting the amount of state and local taxes (SALT) that can be deducted by Scarsdale residents in computing federal income tax liability to $10,000. "While generally anticipated to adversely affect communities in our areas, the impact of this change on village taxpayers and the village's financial condition is still not known," the committee stated. "We are not in a position to quantify it, and in particular, are not aware of any significant change in the real estate market that can be definitively linked to the SALT cap at this time."

The full report, available here, also discusses, at length, the village's effort to avoid service reductions and includes recommendations on parks, recreation, and conservation issues; commuter parking permit fees; water rates; road maintenance; code enforcement; salary increases for non-union employees; and budget formatting.

Minority Report Issued

A minority of Scarsdale Forum Fiscal Affairs Scarsdale Committee members issued their own report disagreeing with several statements and recommendations contained in the committee report, specifically with regard to the effects of the SALT cap, proposed staff and code enforcement expenses, and the need for further justification of salary increases for non-union staff. While these members "agree with and approve of much of the 'majority report,'" they offered specific amendments and recommendations to address their concerns about each issue, which have been included as an attachment to the full committee report.

Scarsdale Forum
The Scarsdale Forum is a 501(c)(3) civic organization dedicated to discussion and analysis of all issues relevant to Scarsdale residents. Since 1904, it has contributed meaningfully to Scarsdale Village affairs through its written reports, public speaker events, and committee discussions. Membership is available to all Scarsdale and Mamaroneck Strip residents regardless of citizenship status.