In March of this year, Wawarsing Town Councilman John Gavaris proposed that the town adopt a manager-style of government similar to the Village of Ellenville. With a new supervisor and council member joining the board, The Ellenville Journal asked each of the Wawarsing's town council members for their views.

Council members Thomas Geelan and Theresa Hyatt both agreed that a town manager proposal should be looked at with an open mind, especially when it could mean a potential savings to town residents.

Gavaris reiterated that he is still, "totally in favor of such a position."

Wawarsing Town Supervisor-elect Ed Jennings also said, "[I've] thought about a town manager form of government and think it could be an idea we should look into."

"As you realize," Jennings continued, "the economy in Wawarsing has taken a big hit with the closing of Schrade and Hydro as well as many other smaller businesses in recent times. As a counter, many have suggested hiring an economic development director as an attempt to revitalize our community, and I completely agree with this thought process. However, it is my view, at least at this point, that it must be one or the other. Our sagging economy could not support two high paying positions."

POSSIBLE FUNDING FOR A TOWN MANAGER? CUTS SAVINGS INCURRED Supervisor moved to part time status with salary reduced to $20,000 $29,384 Council persons (each): $5,500 x 4 = $22,000 $22,988 Remove every councilperson's health insurance ($11,300 x 5) $56,500 Total Savings $108,872

Jennings went on to say that it would not be in the town's best interests to hire a manager, until the Village of Ellenville decides to dissolve.

"The town manager would be most effective if the complete operation of town government was under his direction including the Village of Ellenville. Although, keep in mind there are only 10 towns in New York State that have a manager form of government. There must be a reason."

Councilman Terry Houck was unavailable to be interviewed for this piece but has spoken publicly and submitted letters to this newspaper that declare his support for the creation of a town manager position.

Wawarsing Town Council Pay Cuts?

Currently, Wawarsing's four councilpersons are slated to receive $11,247 plus health insurance for the 2008 budget year. The supervisor is expected to earn nearly $50,000 as well as receive medical benefits.

The cost of a family medical policy for the 2008 budget cycle is $15,105.36. Town taxpayers cover $11,300 of that cost, leaving $3,805.36 to be covered by each council member. If a council person opts out of the insurance plan, he or she can receive a $3,000 'buyout' option. [See pages 6 and 7 for an overview of town council salaries and medical benefits in Ulster County.]

Presented with the scenario outline in our sidebar in which each of the town council positions took a roughly 50 percent pay cut in their yearly salaries, council members responded:

John Gavaris said that the scenario, "definitely sounds like a feasible way of going about getting the money for the town manager's salary, and agreed the savings would be enough to hire a qualified person.

Gavaris added, "With all the local job losses and business closures we were still able to hold the tax line and even slightly decrease. Considering currently we are doing, what at times seems like a full time job, I think that it's not totally unreasonable that the council members are offered health benefits. If a town manager was brought on board then I think our time that is spent handling town business would be significantly reduced. Too often now we are not able to do what it is that a legislative body is supposed to do which is create the laws. We are involved right now with not only creating the laws but also with their follow through which hinders progress."

Tom Geelan said, "I would take a cut in my pay to make this happen, if this is what we wanted to do" and that the scenario "looks good" but that "$107,000.00 for a manager is way too much. It should be in the area of $50,000 to $62,000, depending on what his experience is."

"We don't want to sign a contract with someone for two or three years and find out he/she does do the job correctly, because with a contract we might have to pay out the whole contract and then have to start all over again with an elected person; after two years people can vote that person out of office with hope the next person will do better. When and if this is what we try to do, the people of the town of Wawarsing need to let the board know what and how they feel about this idea," said Geelan. Ed Jennings also indicated that if a town manager style government were to happen in Wawarsing, "a reduction in the salaries to the town board members would be appropriate."

Hyatt indicated that if the town government were to be set up with a town manager and a town supervisor on staff, she believes that the $20,000 to the supervisor is too much. However, she says she thinks that councilmember salaries should be left alone.

"I would see that manager as assuming all of those responsibilities that now fall upon the town supervisor," said Hyatt, adding that the town supervisor, in a town manager style of government, would become nearly equivalent to another town councilperson as far as workload and responsibilities. Therefore, Hyatt feels that the supervisor's salary would be, "more fairly a sum of $12,000, or some other number just slightly above the council people's salary."

Hyatt explained further, "The only difference between the supervisor and council people may be the supervisor having appointment privileges of certain staff, having more direct contact with the town manager, etc."

Cutting Benefits?

When asked whether council members would consider foregoing their medical benefits to assist in creating funds for a town manager, Geelan and Hyatt were divided on the issue.

Geelan said he does not think town council members should get any benefits since it is a part-time position.

Hyatt disagreed stating, "Let's face it, people don't seek these elected seats for the money. Having a 'perk' such as health insurance benefits for you and your family is a great incentive to serve the community in this way."

Hyatt continued, "Sitting on a board, whether village, town, county, and school, involves a great commitment of time and money," continued Hyatt. "You are constantly attending dinners, award ceremonies, banquets, etc. that cost $40-$150 per plate. Not to mention that it costs between $3,000 [town position] and upwards to $5,000 per person [county level] to run for these positions some every two years. I don't think that paying for these folks' health insurance benefits is unreasonable at all. There was a time that this "perk" was paid in full, with the rising cost of this benefit, many municipalities require a contribution on the employee's part. I wouldn't expect the taxpayer to pay the full cost of this benefit."

When Jennings was asked if it were reasonable to ask that Wawarsing residents, hit hard by massive job losses, to pay for their representative's health insurance, he responded, "It's my understanding that no one on the 2008-09 Wawarsing town council will be accepting health insurance from the town…I don't think anyone is seeking public office for the money or any benefits offered. However, if salaries are substantially reduced, all political parties will be hard pressed to find interested and qualified candidates for public positions."

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