Recently published information from the New York State
Comptroller’s Office stated the Fiscal Rating for the Village of Andover in
2017 was ‘55 Moderate Fiscal Stress’, up from a rating in 2016 of ‘45.8
Susceptible Fiscal Stress.’ 2013 saw a score of 11.7, no stress.
The Village is broke. Pot Holes are seen, many issues are
not seen. Following are a few of the decisions made by two current long term
board members, current Mayor and a previous Mayor that have put us in financial
stress.
In 2012 a 2006 International Bucket Truck was purchased for
$176,800. Village Board Meeting Minutes show that the DPW Superintendent at
that time stated that he “would like to keep the old Bucket Truck”. It recently
passed inspection and is still being used. Why 2?
In 2013 a Street Sweeper was purchased at the cost of
$144,701. CHIP monies pay for the principle, not the $11,701 of interest.
Average use of a Sweeper is 6 weeks or 240 hours per year. Another option might
have been to lease a Sweeper for $1,000 a week, no interest or maintenance
costs. We estimate approximately 20 years of street sweeping with the leasing
option. We “foiled” for the 3 bids for this purchase required by NYS, they have
not been provided. Meeting minutes dated 1/14/13 state a motion was made and
2nd to “move forward with purchasing the Street Sweeper, method of payment will
be discussed at another meeting”.
In 2013 a Backhoe with attachments for $94,000 (add $8,331
in interest) was purchased. Attachments consist of a compactor, rock hammer,
ditching bucket. The rock hammer and ditching bucket have seen very few hours
of use. Village documents for the
pricing of the attachments conflict with the actual purchase agreement. The
replaced Backhoe needing only the rebuilding of hydraulic cylinders was traded
in without following the required NYS guidelines.
Total cost of these purchases $423,832.00.
The Village of Andover and all New York Municipal Power
Agencies have the ability to charge a pole attachment charge (proxy rate). Last
known rate of $14.04 per pole or a negotiated rate can be charged to private
companies that use our poles. Village Meeting Minutes dated 1/14/14 show that a
fiber optic company and a phone company were to be notified that they will be
paying for the use of our poles. As of March of this year that has not
happened. Money lost!
Resignations have been numerous in recent years; 4 Trustees,
1 Mayor, 1 DPW Superintendent, 1 Village laborer, 1 Code Officer and 1 Village
Clerk. Why?
Attend monthly meetings to draw your own conclusions. Learn
about NYS and Village laws/policies that are not being followed, ask questions.
Get involved before our Fiscal Rating becomes Significant Stress, a score of 65
or higher.
We have documentation for all information stated. Feel free
to contact us.
Concerned Citizens
Merle “Mike” Dibble
Patrick Vance
