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Financial concerns looming for DPW budget

For Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

HUDSON — It’s that time of year again. Time for the city’s Department of Public Works, or DPW, to crunch the numbers and come up with a budget that will, hopefully, satisfy everyone.

But in a year when finances are shaky at best, doing that is becoming more and more of a challenge. For the DPW, most of their concerns are being echoed in cities and departments around the country.

“Our biggest concern this year, as we get into winter, is oil and fuel, and what it will cost,” said DPW Commissioner James Folz.

Another concern is the reduced tax base, as two major companies — Kaz and LB Furniture — will have either shut down (LB) or left Hudson (Kaz) by this time next year. In addition to the loss of jobs, the move by those two firms also means a loss of tax revenue.

“Revenue sources are a big concern this year,” Folz added. “We have managed to hold the line on the budget until now, but there isn’t a lot of business left in Hudson.”

As if that wasn't bad enough, department officials are also anticipating cuts in funding from the state and county. And with the economic crises facing the entire nation, that’s a pretty good bet.

But while revenue and funding are dropping, costs are rising. Not only are increasing fuel and oil prices of concern to department heads, but new projects on the horizon create a daunting picture of what is to come.

Aging infrastructure is becoming a bigger concern these days — specifically the wastewater treatment plant, which will need to be replaced soon. But sewage plants cost big bucks, and with the department tightening its belt, officials are left wondering where that money will come from.

There are financing opportunities, like municipal bonds, or even grants that could be tapped, but the looming sewer plant concerns leave DPW officials with the question of how to move forward.

With all these financial worries, city leaders are looking for new ways to pinch pennies and cut down on costs. With the holidays coming soon, they are looking at ways to save on decorations for WinterWalk, which can really add up.

“The way things are right now, it’s a big expense,” Folz said.

In addition to decorating City Hall on Warren Street with fresh wreaths and Christmas greenery, the DPW is responsible for clean-up and labor to get the job done. Officials say they are considering taking cost-saving measures such as purchasing artificial wreaths, which could be reused year after year. WinterWalk is not the only annual decorating event the department has to pick up the tab for.

“Overall, Flag Day and WinterWalk are the only events the DPW has to be involved in,” said Melissa Finn, Senior Accounting Clerk for the department. “In previous years, donors would contribute voluntary donations for events like this, but Hudson no longer has an organization like a Chamber of Commerce to do that.”

Alderman Ellen Thurston suggested the city look at other ways of raising private contributions to help with those costs. “There is the possibility that we could get local businesses to donate,” she said.

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