Growing pains
CAPE VINCENT – Besides the wind-related discussions last night at the Town Council meeting, several other items showed the considerable tension between those who support and oppose Supervisor Urban C. Hirschey.
One awkward conversation came over Mr. Hirschey’s decision to get a new cell phone. With town money, he bought a phone capable of handling e-mail from the official supervisor e-mail address. The phone cost $244.80 and a monthly charge of about $50 will be levied, too.
There are a few other officials who have cell phones on the town’s bill. The basic phones they use cost $14.99 or $19.99 per month, said Town Clerk Jeri Ann Mason.
“Normally, we’re charged $98 or $99,” she said.
Former Supervisor Thomas K. Rienbeck used one of the basic phones, she added.
“It will be an extra $600 per year for your phone,” said Councilman Donald J. Mason.
Mr. Hirschey said he was willing to do what the council wanted, including reimburse the town.
“I can pay the town $600 now and we don’t have to worry about it the rest of the year,” he said.
Councilman Marty T. Mason said that might not be legal. The council didn’t agree how to handle the cell phone last night.
But they did agree to add some financial duties to Deputy Supervisor Brooks Bragdon’s role. In January, he was appointed budget director, which isn’t covered in state municipal law, so the council agreed to just add those duties to his plate.
They include verifying fund balances monthly, preparing profit and loss reports monthly and annually and comparing revenues and expenses to the budgeted amounts.
He’ll earn the same $3,750 that was planned for him originally. That amount may be adjusted come budget time depending on the work load.
“Once you get the first year under your belt, you’ll know how much time you’ll need to do this,” Councilman Mickey Orvis said.
Mr. Bragdon said he will look for areas to save money and make the town government more efficient.
Mr. Hirschey said, “We’ve envisioned visiting other towns to develop best practices.”
