News from City Hall
By Nancy Peckenham
The city of Newburgh has decided to open up its charter for review. Mayor Nicholas Valentine announced on Monday that he is seeking residents who want to serve on a commission to review the charter and take a hard look at how the city operates.
“Now is the time for us to take stock of not only how we elect our government officials, but how we conduct City business,” Mayor Valentine said in a statement. “We must bring the City Charter and the governmental structure into the 21st Century to ensure that our government is representative of all our people, and that we are providing services in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.”
The newly-adopted city budget for 2011 revealed the serious burden faced by the city to provide basic services. A property tax increase of 71% was needed to keep the city functioning into the next fiscal year. Last month, city councilwoman suggested that the city should take a look at dissolving its charter and merging with the town of Newburgh.
The city’s current chapter was adopted in 1917. Subsequent attempts to revise it failed in 2007, 1993 and 1994, according to city officials.
Mayor Valentine said he is seeking to form a commission that reflects the diversity of the community. People who would like to be part of the charter review commission should send a letter of interest and resume to him at City Hall, 83 Broadway, Newburgh, NY 12550, attn: Charter Review Commission.
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