For More Information Contact:
Michael A. Ellison (845) 486-2103
Legislator Ben Traudt (R-Red Hook) will host a local budget forum on Tuesday, November 30, 6 to 8 pm at the Red Hook Town Hall. The County Legislature is in the process of reviewing and amending the Executive’s proposed 2011 budget with plans to adopt a final budget on December 7.
"Due to the national economic recession and state unfunded mandates, the Dutchess County 2011 budget is chock-filled of difficult fiscal realities including less money for services and reductions in staff. Like most families and businesses, County government must learn to do more with less. This is the sad reality of our current financial situation and unfortunately it doesn’t look like the economy will dramatically improve anytime soon. The best we can do is hold the line on spending so that essential County services like public safety and infrastructure can be sustained without any significant tax increases,” said Traudt.
Traudt joined Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Robert Rolison (R-Poughkeepsie) in urging the public to participate in the 2011 budget process.
“Difficult economic times mean tough fiscal decisions. The more you know and the more you speak up the better informed your lawmaker can be when voting on budget amendments that could directly impact you, your family, and your community. I commend Legislator Traudt for hosting this forum to give the people of Red Hook the opportunity to weigh in on the financial challenges confronting the County,” said Rolison.
“It is important to me for hear from my constituents as to what they want the 2011 budget to look like,” said Traudt. “I encourage all interested residents to attend and participate in this budget forum on November 30.”
For more information on the 2011 budget visit the Dutchess County website at www.co.dutchess.ny.us or contact the Legislature at (845) 486-2100. The Dutchess County Legislature will hold a county-wide public budget hearing on Thursday, December 2, 7 pm at the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie.
