Cedarhurst Village unanimously approved its adopted budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which reflects a slight increase of $41,306 compared to the current fiscal plan. The budget, totaling $7.298 million, consists of two components: $6.553 million allocated for the general fund and $745,635 designated for fire protection services provided by the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department. The village collaborates with the LCFD, as well as Lawrence Village, for fire protection.
In compliance with New York state law, Cedarhurst adheres to a tax-cap levy that will not exceed the current tax cap of 2 percent. The village’s tax levy is set at $1.360 million.
During the budget presentation via Zoom, Deputy Mayor Ari Brown acknowledged the challenges faced by the village during the budget preparation process. Rising health insurance costs, accounting for 19 percent of the budget, posed a significant challenge. Additionally, projected union contract and payroll increases accounted for over $42,000, while appropriations were adjusted to accommodate uncontrollable non-funded mandates.
Despite these fiscal difficulties, Brown emphasized that the budget includes substantial infrastructure projects and necessary equipment purchases. As an assemblyman representing the area, Brown reiterated the village’s crucial role in the Five Towns community, highlighting Cedarhurst’s status as having the lowest taxes in Nassau County.
Mayor Benjamin Weinstock has been actively advocating for establishing a police auxiliary unit within the village. Weinstock believes that creating an independent auxiliary unit will enhance security measures for residents.
Weinstock clarified that the newly formed unit, known as auxiliary unit 101, is not intended to replace unit 109 but to supplement its efforts. The objective is to provide additional patrols at night and on weekends, addressing concerns such as package theft, property crimes, and suspicious activities reported by residents.
Volunteers from unit 109, which has patrolled the village for over 20 years, remain an integral part of the community. Weinstock emphasized that the formation of unit 101 does not diminish their contributions but rather expands the village’s overall security measures.
Auxiliary unit 101 is currently composed of two active officers, Anthony Squiciarino and Shari Zagorski, both serving as lieutenants. Zagorski, who commands the unit, has dedicated approximately 1,000 hours each year to volunteering with the auxiliary police department. Squiciarino brings over 30 years of auxiliary police experience to the team.
To officially introduce unit 101, Weinstock plans to hold a news conference in the future, joined by village trustees and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Wasn’t the village supposed to receive some sort of cash bribe to approve new development projects? Any news on where that money went? Or did that go to cover more harassing meter maids and “significant challenges” related to payroll?
What about fixing the lights in gourmet glatt parking lot? The roads are so uneven in the winter anyone can break their neck or leg’s trying to navigate the lot. What Exactly has the board done for its residents? Take money to approve and develop a three story building so “my children can live near me”?? Without putting real thought as to how this will affect all five towns? This board needs to be voted out !!!
The claim that Zagorski spends approximately one thousand hours a year as an Auxiliary Police Officer is very questionable, unless of course, she is “volunteering” when she’s supposed to be working for the village. The average American works 2,000 hours a year.
The auxiliary police are clowns. Let me be clear: they are not police, despite their flashing lights and handcuffs. They are wannabe vigilantes who have no more powers than you and I. They can’t even issue parking meter tickets in Cedarhurst! My wife and I think it’s hilarious how officious and bossy they act.
Could not agree more. I don’t get why we need the auxiliaries. Lay off the donuts!!
I love cedarhurst and lawerncee. its going down the drains wohoo maybe homes will be more affordable.
Why did the mayor who knows nothing about safety and security trade 30+ officers for 1 officer ?
This was done all secretly behind everybody’s back. The mayor’s own board didn’t even know about this. Ohh yeah, just one board member “Wasser”
Wow! So many complaints. How about addressing the double parking on central ave. Problem. It is illegal and dangerous. Speak up citizens and the village. How about u turns across double lines… The 3 building area would have made a wonderful new library. This is a village of readers. Cedarhurst is a wonderful place to live. Lets keep it that way.
I want to know about the trade 30+ officers? What’s that about?
The village is soooo corrupt I hope the fbi comes in and cleans house.
I remember a few years ago seeing some overzealous Auxiliary threaten some kid riding a scooter in Cedarhurst Park. The kid didn’t listen and called the auxiliaries bluff. The auxiliary was threatening the kid “so you won’t listen to the police??” Total joke!
The mayor got rid of the auxiliary police that were working for 30 years in Cedarhurst and traded them in for one incompetent officer. Makes no sense
The mayor need to go ! How do you get rid of 30 people volunteering for the village and throw them out and replace them with one auxiliary cop ?
@anonymous, Call in the FBI ? Haven’t you heard? They they’re totally corrupt!!