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Town of Wheatfield Town Board sets budget hearing, discusses compressor station

Fri, Oct 23rd 2015 12:45 pm

By Lauren Zaepfel

Tribune Editor

Amendments to the initial tentative budget were revealed Oct.19, at the Town of Wheatfield's board meeting; however, taxpayers may now rest easy, as the minimum tax levy remains the same.

Overall, the total increase in estimated revenues is now $38,868.

But, only $2,596,101 is anticipated for general sales tax, as opposed to the initially predicted $2,617,233, leaving a difference of $21,132.

On the plus side, $60,000 in revenue from the Seneca Niagara casino was added from Niagara County.

The board scheduled a public budget hearing for Monday, Nov. 2, 7:15 p.m., at Town Hall with a regular board meeting to follow.

"Anyone who wishes to speak on the budget can do it at that time," Wheatfield Town Supervisor Robert B. Cliffe said.

The preliminary budget can be accessed on the town's website, wheatfield.ny.us.

Although the budget was prominent on the Oct. 19 agenda, multiple residents had another pressing item on their minds.

Lengthy discussions occurred on National Fuel's plan to place a gas compressor station in Pendleton - now closer to Wheatfield's border.

Common issues discussed over the past several months on the compression station include increased noise levels and health risks due to chemical contamination.

The planned location for the compressor station by National Fuel has changed from Aiken Road to Killian Road in the Town of Pendleton, which is significantly closer to Wheatfield's border.

Councilman Larry Helwig made it clear that the location has not been approved and is still pending.

"They've got a moving map. Their maps - they're changing daily, weekly, monthly, so it's a moving target, so we have to keep vigilant on this thing and, you know, keep everyone informed," Helwig said.

National Fuel will hold a public information forum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Wendelville Fire Hall, 7340 Campbell Blvd., Town of Pendleton.

"Hopefully, Nov. 7, we get enough people there from Wheatfield that we know what's going on," Cliffe said.

Also at the meeting, a resolution was passed, allowing volunteer firefighters of specified local fire companies, to receive coverage from the town if injured while assisting those in need outside of their jurisdiction.

"Basically, what this (the formal resolution) does - if you come upon a scene and you see a fire, not in your own fire district, right now, you're not covered by workers' compensation if you go to the aide for that company," Cliffe said as he addressed firefighters who were present at the meeting. "This would give you coverage to go in and start helping as you can."

In other discussion, Highway Superintendent Paul Siegmann summarized what his department accomplished this past summer, including the paving of more than eight lane miles of town roads and the crack-sealing of almost 18 lane miles of town roads.

Siegmann also stated a culvert pipe may be installed soon on Krueger Road.

For more information, including the agenda discussed from the Oct. 19 board meeting, visit www.wheatfield.ny.us.

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