The evening of 2025-04-07 was the Honeoye Falls Annual Meeting, and before that the Public Hearing for next years Budget.
The budget was approved. Tax rate remains flat, even as the levy limit is exceeded. As I understand the description, much of the reason was because the Village Court was dissolved, and with that the Village lost some income.
There was also talk about taking a gamble on an expansion to ambulance services. No decision made at this meeting, but the idea was that having a second ambulance on duty (at least some of the time) could lead to taking more calls (instead of them going to other departments). Which, in turn, could lead to more income. Or not, hence it being a gamble.
There was a decent crowd for the Annual Meeting portion of the evening. Not packed, as it has sometimes been. But a good number of people all the same. And, with two exceptions, everyone that was there was an ‘official’. Either an elected official, or being appointed to an official position of some kind. Which was fine, it is what it is. But it indirectly came into play when Rick (Mayor) gave his ‘State of the Village’ speech. His word choice showed he knew those who would be listening were all part of the Village organization (as opposed to otherwise unaffiliated residents).
The focus of Rick’s speech, at least from where I was listening, was the pressures the Village is under. And the difficulties in continuing while overcoming them. Overall was an optimistic feel to it. More of ‘we shall persevere’ than ‘we are doomed’. But I would expect nothing less.
The biggest financial issue mentioned was the eventual wastewater treatment plant upgrade/overhaul/call it what you will. This project has been talked about for a while, but it sounds like the current plant is ~30 past it’s expected useful lifespan. Yet it’s still taking all our wastewater away. Which is a good thing, I like when my indoor plumbing works properly. Long story short, the Village is working on making sure that keeps happening. Even as it looks like it will be a good sized project to get that done.
And Rick gave a heads up that Tuesday evening music in the park is unlikely to happen this year. Construction of various kinds is likely to take Harry Allen Park out of use for too much of the summer. Which has me thinking, could a different venue be used? While Harry Allen Park has been optimal, the Village does own others. Vest Pocket Park would make for a nice intimate venue, although it might be a bit close to the road. Monroe Street and Rotary Park both have more than enough space, although they are also away from the center of the Village. Still, they are options, at least in theory.
As usual, cookies were provided to those who attended. Makes for a nice addition for the inevitable conversations after the formal meeting ends. And provides prompts for some interesting side stories.
And those are my Observations From Audience Land for the April 7, 2025 Annual Meeting of the Honeoye Falls Board of Trustees.