The New Hyde Park Village Board on Tuesday approved the tentative 2011-2012 budget and unveiled civic events.
The proposed $5,630,770 budget total is up – 5 percent – from last years budget of $5,573,366.
The average New Hyde Park homeowner will pay an additional $50 in annual taxes, according to New Hyde Park Deputy Mayor Robert Lofaro.
To reduce overtime expenses, the budget will benefit from a revamped work schedule for the village Department of Public Works employees, who will now work five eight-hour days weekly instead of four 10-hour days. Part-time workers scheduled have been cut back by one day a week.
“They should be recognized that they are trying to help, and we appreciate their support to help us meet our financial needs,” Lofaro had said when the DPW work rule changes were revealed at the previous board meeting.
The budget includes $500,000 for the village’s ongoing program to improve roads throughout the village
The upcoming civic events announced on Tuesday night include a play at the recently refurbished William Gill Theater, a community clean-up day, and an ongoing tree-purchasing program.
Trustee Donald B. Barbieri announced the first play of the newly renovated theater will be “The Prince Who Wouldn’t Talk.” The play, featuring a cast of local youngsters, will be performed on Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets will go on sale at the village hall on Friday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturday April 30, from 2:30 to 4:30.
“Come on in and let’s fill up the auditorium,” Barbieri said. “Lets kick this play off right.”
Lofaro said that the Community Clean up Day will be taking place on Saturday, April 23 at 10 a.m., and said volunteers are needed. Residents are to meet up at the village hall on Saturday.
The event has been an annual activity by the village since the inception of the beautification committee more than 10 years ago, Lofaro said.
After gathering at village hall, volunteers go around village cleaning up litter or graffiti.
“The challenge is finding places to clean up,” Lofaro said. “In the past we’d find a lot of graffiti down by the LIRR station. We usually finish up around noon.”
As the tree planting program continues, residents who wish to have a curb-side tree planted in front of their property are directed to call the department of public works and make a request, according to Lofaro.
Barbieri also expressed his gratitude for the Village of New Hyde Park Auxiliary police for their rise in numbers
“I want to acknowledge the auxiliary police,” Barbieri said at a village meeting Tuesday. “The numbers of people joining have gone up, and it’s terrific that we have residents stepping forward.”
