Elmsford budget workshop: trustees hear plan for recreation superintendent and small tax rise

At a Village of Elmsford budget workshop, trustees and staff reviewed draft line items that would add dedicated funding for a new recreation director and related startup costs while making targeted cuts elsewhere to reduce pressure on the tentative tax rate.

Village staff proposed hiring what they called a recreation superintendent and initially adding roughly $200,000 to the recreation budget to fund a senior position (personnel) and initial office setup. “To start a better program today… you’re talking just to start in the ballpark of $350,000,” the staff member presenting the budget said, describing a fuller program build-out; in the presenter’s recommended, phased approach he proposed an immediate $200,000 addition, with $150,000 for personnel and $50,000 for office and start-up costs.

The proposal reflects a phased approach: hire a lead to design programs and partnerships, then expand offerings. The presenter said the lead would be responsible for assessing community needs, designing programs, and negotiating facility use with local schools and other partners. He told…