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North Castle Board Approves 2012 Budget

NORTH CASTLE, N.Y. – The North Castle Town Board approved the 2012 budget Wednesday by a 4-1 vote, Board member Diane Roth was the only opposing vote. Before the vote, Supervisor William Weaver noted a number of changes made to the budget since the last town meeting that reduced the tax increase to 1.59 percent, which Weaver said would result in increases of $47 per household for 2012.

Weaver said the town sales taxes would increase to $1,475,000 and mortgage taxes would increase by $25,000. He also said $50,000 would be added to the contingency fund, which could be added to the fund balance.

According to Weaver, the town had arranged to borrow $2.5 million to pay for highway expenses and received a 2.2069 interest rate on the loan. An interest rate of 4 percent was planned and $97,000 was set aside for interest payments, but the town will only have to pay $46,955, he said.

The town is also switching insurance carriers, which Weaver said would reduce costs by $60,000. However, John Diaconis, an Armonk resident, questioned the deal, saying there is a chance insurance premiums would rise. "They should be watched," he said. Still, Weaver said the town had consulted the new insurance company that reported a 5 percent decrease in premiums.

Before the budget vote took place, town residents and board members honored Weaver and Board member Rebecca Kittredge whose terms are ending at the end of December. Weaver has served as an elected town official for 18 years and Kittredge has served on the board for 32 years.

Board member Michael Schiliro said, "Bill has been the ultimate professional and we got a lot done. Becky has taught me to respect the people who work for the town."

Kittredge said, "It's been a pleasure to serve North Castle for 32 years." Weaver said, "I'm honored to have served and the new board will find out we have a great staff and every department in town functions smoothly."

Weaver was ousted in the November election by Howard Arden, who will take office in January.

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