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Newburgh Town Board approves audit, budget transfers, pump-sharing deal and animal-shelter payments
Summary
At its Nov. 12 meeting the Town Board unanimously approved a $4.18 million audit, a $5,800 inter‑fund borrowing to cover a drainage district shortfall, a $50,000 transfer for the Elmhurst culvert, contracts including a $6,025 annual employee‑assistance program, and veterinary payments for the animal shelter.
The Town of Newburgh Board on Nov. 12 unanimously approved its annual audit and a series of budget transfers, contracts and personnel actions during a roughly 22‑minute meeting at 1496 Route 300.
Councilman Paul Ruggiero moved to accept the audit in the amount of $4,182,532.55; the motion was seconded by Councilman Scott M. Manley and passed 4–0. Councilman Manley also moved to approve the town’s budget status report for September and the status report for October 2024; the board approved that motion unanimously.
Town Accountant Ronald E. Clum told the board that Blue Sky Drainage was projected to run about $5,800 negative on its cash position through November and requested an inter‑fund borrowing from the Mountain Lake Drainage fund. Councilman Anthony R. LoBiondo moved to authorize a $5,800 transfer from Mountain Lake to Blue Sky; the motion passed 4–0.
The board approved personnel and vendor actions the same evening. Sole Assessor Molly Carhart requested approval to hire Helen Nelson as a part‑time clerk, contingent on required paperwork, fingerprints, a physical and drug and alcohol testing, with a start date on or after Nov. 25, 2024; Councilman Manley’s motion to hire Nelson passed unanimously.
HR Manager Eileen Rose recommended replacing the town’s previous employee‑assistance program vendor with ESI. The board approved a one‑year ESI contract at an annual cost of $6,025.
On infrastructure and intergovernmental readiness, the board approved an agreement to share one trailer‑mounted Godwin bypass pump from the Town of New Windsor on an as‑needed basis through Dec. 31, 2025, with Newburgh reimbursing New Windsor for servicing costs. Separately, the board approved a monthly rental quote for a trailer‑mounted Godwin pump at $12,123 per month.
Town Engineer James Osborne requested a $50,000 budget transfer from Highway Interfund (D9902.5900) to Elmhurst Culvert Replacement (H8103.5200); Councilman Paul Ruggiero moved to approve the transfer and the board voted 4–0 in favor.
On procurement, the board selected NRG Business Marketing LLC as the town’s electricity supplier by unanimous vote. The board also approved two private road names submitted by Hudson Asset Homes, LLC for the Chadwick Woods subdivision — Sedona Way and Bolger Court — after code compliance review citing SBLs 14‑1‑51.1 to 14‑1‑51.5.
Animal Control requested authorization to use the T‑94 account to pay for veterinary services. The board approved payment of $4,304.60 to Newburgh Veterinary Hospital (listed as $1,495.06 for canine services and $2,809.54 for feline services) and $390.15 to Flannery Animal Hospital for feline services. Councilman Ruggiero said there has been “an influx of Cat and Dogs at the animal shelter,” which he offered as context for the withdrawals.
Supervisor Gil Piaquadio noted that the Veterans Run from Post to Post the previous Saturday was successful and reminded the public of PBA awards scheduled for Thursday. No members of the public offered comments at the meeting, and Councilman Ruggiero moved to adjourn at 7:22 p.m.; the motion passed unanimously.
Votes at a glance • Audit approval — Motion by Councilman Paul Ruggiero; second by Councilman Scott M. Manley; vote 4–0; approved; amount: $4,182,532.55 (SEG 010). • Budget status report — Motion by Councilman Scott M. Manley; second by Councilman Anthony R. LoBiondo; vote 4–0; approved (SEG 011). • Mountain Lake → Blue Sky Drainage transfer ($5,800) — Motion by Councilman Anthony R. LoBiondo; second by Councilman Scott M. Manley; vote 4–0; approved (SEGs 012–013). • Hire: Helen Nelson, part‑time Assessor clerk — Motion by Councilman Scott M. Manley; vote 4–0; approved (SEGs 015–016). • Employee Assistance Program (ESI), $6,025/year — Motion by Councilman Anthony R. LoBiondo; vote 4–0; approved (SEGs 017–018). • Godwin pump sharing agreement with New Windsor — Motion by Councilman Paul Ruggiero; vote 4–0; approved (SEG 020). • Godwin pump rental quote, $12,123/month — Motion by Councilman Anthony R. LoBiondo; vote 4–0; approved (SEG 020). • Electricity supplier: NRG Business Marketing LLC — Motion by Councilman Scott M. Manley; vote 4–0; approved (SEG 021). • Road naming (Sedona Way; Bolger Court) for Chadwick Woods — Motion by Councilman Anthony R. LoBiondo; vote 4–0; approved (SEG 023). • Elmhurst culvert budget transfer, $50,000 — Motion by Councilman Paul Ruggiero; vote 4–0; approved (SEGs 024–025). • T‑94 veterinary payments: Newburgh Veterinary Hospital $4,304.60; Flannery Animal Hospital $390.15 — Motions by Councilmen Ruggiero/Manley; vote 4–0; approved (SEGs 026–028). • Adjournment — Motion by Councilman Paul Ruggiero; second by Councilman Scott M. Manley; vote 4–0; approved (SEG 034).
What happens next: where the board approved budget transfers and inter‑fund borrowing, departments will implement the accounting entries and the town will reimburse Mountain Lake when expected receipts arrive in February 2025; the Godwin pump sharing agreement runs through Dec. 31, 2025. No public hearing dates or contested items were scheduled during this meeting.
