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Resolution That Keeps Ecology Center Open Passes In Brookhaven

Town council members approve budget item that combines divisions, leaves money in general fund.

The Town of Brookhaven approved a budget resolution to combine the division of Traffic Safety and the Highway Department, thus clearing the money in the general fund to keep the Holtsville Ecology Center up and running.

The Town Board passed the resolution after a drawn-out evening that began with budget item resolutions, transitioned to a number of zoning approvals, and then doubled back to vote on Resolution 913.

A weary crowd of blue-shirted supporters of the Holtsville Ecology Center applauded after the resolution, which was introduced by Councilwoman Connie Kepert and Councilman Tim Mazzei, passed overwhelmingly.

Former Town Supervisor Mark Lesko proposed closing the center in a preliminary 2013 budget last month, citing savings of $900,000 a year by closing the zoo and greenhouse alone.  

Patch will have more on Tuesday council meeting, including reactions from employees and users of the Holtsville site in the coming hours.

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MJD0615 May 24, 2013 at 09:45 pm
The taxpayers have spoken and it is not because they are being selfish. They are sending a messageRead More to the Sachem School Board, whose members have been complacent and out-of-touch for a long time. It is time they start making some TOUGH decisions that cut all the fat out of the budget. Sachem has been top-heavy with highly paid administrators for many years. Why not MERGE departments and eliminate some of these positions? Granted...Sachem is a large school district, but have you ever looked at how many directors, assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, administrators, assistant administrators, etc. we are paying for? Each one of these positions commands a salary of well over 100K per year...plus each one comes with a costly benefit package. Status Quo is no longer the way to go! Start negotiating better better contracts for all district services, including supplies, transportation and logistics. Major corporations do it...why shouldn't we? Taxpayers are not ATM's......ENOUGH. And, just as a side note...how much do the hundreds of "Vote Yes for the Budget" signs cost us?
Allen Wone May 19, 2013 at 05:47 pm
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Jared Ranere May 17, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Hey Lisa, I just deleted a ton of spam. So sorry, it's been such a problem on this Patch. We'reRead More working hard on preventing it. If you happen to see any, click on 'Flag as Inappropriate' and it'll help us out!
michelef May 16, 2013 at 05:28 pm
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Crystal Kriegsman May 14, 2013 at 10:54 pm
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