Island Dispatch, 2003-08-15

              Island DISPATCH Founded 1944 • Complete Community Coverage The Official Newspaper of the Town of Grand Island and the Grand Island School District 57 Years As the Voice of Grand Island Award Winning Newspapers A Super Summerfest Page 3 Top Level Performers Page J 4 The Farmer's Almanac ' predicts: Cool Scattered T Stems .. ■. t '■.- '■{. ... I » Phone: (716) 773-7676 • Fax: (716) 773-7190 • E-Mail: NFPNews@clmail.com 85c 24 Pages August 15, 2003 No. 24 Vol. 59 Board of education approves 4.9 percent tax increase for 2003-04 by Jon Sandino In late spring, the Grand Island Central School District projected a 4.9 percent-tax increase for 2003--04. On Monday, they passed a motion for said amount. The increase comes as no surprise to the majority of Island residents. The 4.9 percent figure was included in the earlier proposed $36,778,818 '03-04 district budget, which residents approved by a 730--409 vote. Despite the tax increase as well as other state aid-related issues, which have negatively affected numerous Western New York communities, including Grand Island, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Ramming believes the district is in the beginning process of financial recovery. "Because of some increase in assessed property values, it will generate $142,900 in additional tax revenues that we didn't anticipate when the budget was first put together," Ramming said. According to Ramming*, despite the state withholding $538,000 in state aid last June, the $142,900 will be used for an unappropriated fund balance to help offset the loss of state aid. This, Ramming hopes, is the first piece of the puzzle to financial recovery. "When I was hired you [board members] asked me to look at a three-year plan to get the district back on firm fiscal footing, and one of the keys to that is to establish an adequate fund balance and adequate reserves to deal with unanticipated expenses and weather the tough times," Ramming said. He continued, "We're working Good old time at Fantasy Island's car show Thousands of peoole were out in full-force this past Sunday for Martin's Fantasy Island's ninth annual Old Fashion Car Show. Over 250 of the most intriguing cars, separated into 40 classes, were on display. Attendees were also treated to live music and a special guest appearance from Elvss - Terry Buchwald. Look inside of today's Dispatch for complete coverage, (photo by Brian Garman) Slaughter announces funds for Grand Island Funding will be used to improve sewer systems along Grand Island Boulevard U.S. Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY2B) announced that she has s c c u r e'id $250,000 to expand the town of Grand Island's waste water system be n c at h Grand Island Boulevard. "I am delighted to announce new funding for this very important project," said Slaughter during last Friday's press conference at the corner of Webb Road and Grand Island Boulevard. "Expanding the sewer system under these sections of main street will help make it more attractive to business, bringing in more shoppers and visitors to stimulate the local economy. We will also be able o replace old septic systems that could be contaminating the environment. I look forward to continuing to work with Grand Island officials on projects like these that improve the quality of life for the citizens of Western New York. "As a direct result of efforts by Congresswoman Slaughter, we will be able to proceed with a.project that has both environmental and economic benefits for the town of Grand Island," said Peter McMahon, town supervisor. He continued, "The extension of our sanitary sewer system to this section of our main street will encourage new business opportunities, while at the same time replacing some septic systems that may be failing or are in danger of failing. This is an excellent example of what is possible when the members of local government work together to identify com- munity needs and then work with their counterparts in Washington to U.S. Rep. Louise Mr Slaughter presented a $250,000 check to Supervisor Peter McMahon last Friday. The money will help the town fund a sewer system project beneath Grand Island Boulevard. Pictured in the background from left are Joanne Kud, Chamber of Commerce 2nd vice president; Island resident Ted Bates; Ray Dtugokinski, highway superintendent; and James Sharpe, Chamber of Commerce president, (photo by Brian Garman) continued on page 2 isr continued on page 5 tar !: 'Ata.Glance Friday & Saturday St. Stephen's Summerfest St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd. 5 p.m. to midnight Gall 773-7647 for more information Sjmdsx Folk-Acoustic Music Performance Riverside-Salem Environmental Cottage, 3449 W. River Rd., 6 p.m. Nan Hoffman and Joe Tumino will offer a rich blend of vocal harmonies For more information call 773-5315 or 773-5268 Wednesday MOPS Meeting Sidway School Playground, 2451 Baseline Rd. 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. If it rains the meeting will take place at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 1290 Whitehaven Rd. All mothers of preschoolers welcome For a complete listing of area events, visit NFP's Web site at www.wnypapers.com ir~r*~"i AIR CQNPiTiONiNG SPECiULNOW! mi^mm IlllliiilMllilllilllllilll iililliililllllllliir 11''in i£ ftiijfaif 1111 1 / ft..'.. / New York State Home Performance MmßmSk Simauch Over SQ OHO ilamef Itovrmv ®*S HBO m&Mde*st XW- \ mB. / «£»hs| With ENERGY STAR is helping homeownersi ■wSQmrtSl Z .?>«SIffS2S ■ om®sm' w*r 90,000 meamersi I js£-rJ / MMk / gfBPIH • air conoitioning * ash sealing • ventilation • WtMMEA In 4 and Keem a 31 year j| tinmcioß j|iiJm|ii A .JJXQZAi fflii iiMiilM^Q^^JCJaAJjllJ^^ffiHela