Who is the chief executive of the town?
The town supervisor is Edward P. Mahoney. The supervisor acts as chief fiscal officer and chief operating officer of the town, and is elected to a two-year term. Mr. Mahoney’s term expires Dec. 31, 2007. He may be reached at 763-3151 or supervisor@lewisborogov.com.
The deputy supervisor is Joann Vasi, who also serves as Lewisboro’s receiver of taxes.
The town Web site is www.lewisborogov.com.
What does the Town Board do?
The Town Board consists of five members, including the town supervisor. The board members are: Peter DeLucia, Al Perruzza, and Suzanne Whalen. There is one vacancy on the town board that will be filled following the November election.
Board members are responsible for generally managing the town, including appointing the personnel for the boards and committees. They propose budgets, ordinances, infrastructure projects, policies, and supervise projects. They also supervise many town agencies. They are elected to four-year terms and receive a stipend.
The board meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., normally at the town house, although the supervisor may call a special meeting of the Town Board with two days notice. The Ledger announces each meeting each week in the Town Calendar.
There are two public comment periods for non-agenda items at each meeting. Usually, the board meets for public work sessions the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The meetings are videotaped and aired regularly on cable Channel 20. Check www.lewisboroledger.com or www.lewisborogov.com for air dates and times.
Where are town offices?
The Lewisboro Town House is at 11 Main Street in South Salem. Within it are the offices of the supervisor, town clerk, town justice court clerk, receiver of taxes, and the director of finances.
The highway department is in the garage behind the town house.
Offices of the tax assessor, building department, planning department, zoning department, maintenance department, the Architectural and Community Appearance Review Council, and town historian are at Onatru Farm at 99 Elmwood Road in Lewisboro Hamlet.
The parks and recreation department is at the Goldens Bridge Community House, 65 Old Bedford Road, Goldens Bridge.
Town office hours are 9 to 4:30, Monday through Friday. In some cases, hours are by appointment.
What is the town budget?
The Lewisboro Town Board approved an $11.1 million budget in December 2005 for Fiscal Year 2006. The total includes a $3.07 million highway budget and $8.05 million for all other town spending. There is a separate school budget.
How are my taxes billed and figured?
The current Lewisboro tax for assessed property is broken into three rates: county, town (includes the general fund and highway) and school. There are also special taxing districts (see below). The town tax rate is $11.48 on each $1,000 of taxable assessed value (unchanged since the previous year); the county tax rate is $32.22, for a total of $43.70. These two combined, along with any taxes collected for special districts, are based on a calendar year.
The town budget is the only budget over which the town has control. All other budgets are imposed, with the town acting only as a collecting agency.
The school district rates are based on a fiscal year, July 1 to June 30. Lewisboro residents live in the Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District No. 1. The school tax rate for the 2006-2007 year is $173.66 per $1,000 assessed value. A new budget will be put to a vote in May, and the tax rate for the next school year will be figured in August.
Are there any special taxing districts in town?
Lewisboro’s special taxing districts include three fire districts; Oakridge sewer; and Wild Oaks fire zone, light and sewer districts. The Goldens Bridge fire district rate is $5.91 per $1,000 of assessed value; South Salem fire is $3.25; Vista fire is $6.82. Oakridge sewer is 22.57. Wild Oaks fire zone is $0.61, light is $1.45 and sewer is $16.79.
Who determines how much my house is worth for taxing purposes?
The assessed value of property is determined by the town’s tax assessor, a six-year appointed position. The assessor is Gordon Washburn. He may be reached at 763-3034 or assessor@lewisborogov.com.
What do my taxes pay for?
Taxes support schools, police, highway, parks and recreation, fire equipment, and all other town services - basically whatever is budgeted to run the town and special districts. For a detailed accounting of how taxes are spent, pick up a copy of the budget at the town house.
Where and when do I pay my taxes?
Tax bills for county, town, and special taxing districts are mailed the last week in March and are due in full April 30, without penalty. Taxes for the school districts are mailed the last week in August, and may be paid all at once or in two installments. The first half is due by Sept. 30, the second by Jan. 31. Not receiving a tax bill does not relieve you of paying your taxes.
Taxes may be mailed to or paid at the tax receiver’s office at the Town House, 11 Main Street, South Salem. Joann Vasi (763-3100) is the receiver of taxes.
What happens if I don’t pay my taxes on time?
A penalty is added to the tax bill for each month that taxes are in arrears. All unpaid taxes become a lien May 1 of the following year; the interest accrues at a rate of 1% a month. Each May, a list is available to the public of all property on which taxes have been owed for a year.
Does the town ever foreclose on tax-debtor property?
Yes, all foreclosures are handled by the supervisor and the receiver of taxes.
Do seniors or the disabled get tax breaks?
Yes. The tax break is based on income and is on a sliding scale. The percentage of assessed value exemption ranges from 50 percent for an income of less than $24,000 or less to 5 percent for an income of $31,500 to $32,399. Call the assessor’s office at 763-3034 for more information.
Do veterans get tax breaks?
Yes. A tax break known as the “alternative veterans exemption” is available to veterans who served in a time of conflict. Call the assessor’s office at 763-3034 for more information.
What is STAR?
STAR is the School Tax Relief exemption program. There are two levels to the program. The first is called Senior Enhanced. You must be 65 years old and have an adjusted gross income of $66,050 or less to qualify. The second part is a Primary STAR Exemption, which is for everyone who claims their home as a primary residence. For the primary exemption you need to apply only once. For the senior program, a yearly renewal must be submitted.
The assessor’s office sends renewal forms each year. For information or an application, call the assessor’s office at 763-3034. Applications can also be downloaded from www.orps.state.ny.us. Applications must be filed with the assessor’s office by June 1.
What are local political parties and enrollment?
According to the Westchester County Board of Elections, Lewisboro’s voter enrollment as of Oct. 10, 2006, totaled 8,325, including: 2,973 Republicans, 2,888 Democrats, 2,038 Non-affiliated, 259 Independents, 110 Conservatives, 31 Green, 25 Liberals, and 1 Other.
Who can register to vote?
To register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by Election Day and a resident of town for 30 days preceding election. (You may not be in jail or on parole for a felony conviction.) Pre-registration is available for people who will turn 18 by the day of the next election. Call the Westchester County Board of Elections, 995-5700, for more details. You may also call the town clerk’s office at 763-3511 for forms and information.
Where and when can I register?
Voter registration forms are available at the town house, post office and library, and are also available on the town Web site www.lewisborogov.com. Once completed, the forms may either be mailed or brought to the county Board of Elections office at 25 Quarropas Street, White Plains, NY 10601, from 8:45 to 4:30, Monday through Friday. For information, call 995-5700. You may register at any state agency, including the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Do I need any documents to register?
No. The form does not require any documentation. However, it does ask for your signature on an affidavit stating that the information listed is correct.
Do I need to renew my voting privileges?
You do not need to renew your voting privileges with the county Board of Elections unless you move and have a new address in the same county.
What are the polling places in town?
For town elections, there are 12 voting districts. Polling places are: Districts #1 and #8, John Jay High School; districts #2, #5, #9, and #12, South Salem Firehouse, Route 35, South Salem; districts #3, #6 and #10, Meadow Pond Elementary School, Route 123, Vista; districts #4 and #7, and #11, Increase Miller Elementary School, Route 138, Goldens Bridge.
How can I find out where I should vote?
The easiest way is to call the town clerk’s office at 763-3511. Voting locations are printed in The Lewisboro Ledger the week before election dates.
Who can vote by absentee ballot?
Registered voters who have a legitimate reason why they cannot vote in person are entitled to the absentee ballot. Legitimate reasons include being out of town, being ill, or if voting at the polls conflicts with a religious belief. Applications for all elections (except school board elections) are available at the town clerk’s office or will be mailed upon request. They will also be mailed to college students. Call 763-3511. Applications are also on the town Web site. Click on the town clerk’s button.
When do elections of town officials take place?
Town officials are elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Board of Education members are elected in May, at the same time the budget is voted on. Town supervisors are elected biennially in odd-numbered years, while councilmen have four-year terms; two are up for election every two years. Other elective offices include town clerk (four-year term), receiver of taxes (four-year), town justices (four-year) and the highway superintendent (four-year).
Who can vote in a primary?
Registered voters who are members of a party may vote in that party’s primary only.
If I own property in town but don’t live here, can I vote in the town?
No. Only residents may vote in elections.
Can I look up old deeds in the town house?
No. All deeds are filed in the county clerk’s office. Deeds are copied, then sent to the tax assessor’s office at Onatru Farm on Elmwood Road.
Are birth, marriage and death records public?
No. In certain cases copies are available, including for genealogical research. Call the town clerk for details.
Besides the clergy, who can perform weddings in New York?
The town has several marriage officers, who are appointed by the Town Board; town justices are also able to perform weddings; call 763-3511.
Where do I get a marriage license?
For couples intending to be married in New York State, a marriage license is required and may be obtained anywhere in the state. There is a 24-hour waiting period, after that it is good for 60 days. The fee is $40. Couples are asked to make an appointment with the town clerk’s office at 763-3511. Call for details on what documents to bring.
How do I get a certified birth certificate copy?
Official copies of birth certificates for people who were actually born in the Town of Lewisboro may be obtained from the town clerk’s office.
What boards and committees are appointed?
The Town Board appoints members of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Advisory Council, Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, Housing and Community Development Committee, Board of Assessment Review, Board of Ethics, Advisory Committee on the Disabled, Landmarks Advisory Committee, Architectural and Community Appearance and Review Council, Antenna Advisory Board, Cable TV Committee, Open Space Advisory Council, Town Trails Committee, and the Lake Management Committee.
How can I get involved in town government?
If you are affiliated with a party, get in touch with your town chairman: Democrats, Alan Cole, 232-4347 or Christina Rae, 763-5773 ( chair@lewisborodemocrats.org); Republicans, Wayne Coluccini, 763-8639 (www.lewisborogop.org); Conservatives, Les Simon, 763-8831.
Anyone interested in volunteering for a position should call the supervisor’s office at 763-3151, fax 763-6496 or e-mail supervisor@lewisborogov.com. An experience summary form will be sent. The town board will interview qualified candidates.
If you’re interested in a particular agency, such as planning or zoning, try attending its meetings regularly and watch for vacancies in The Lewisboro Ledger.
What does the building department do?
The building department maintains records for all buildings built in town since 1936, and assists property owners with questions regarding property use. It reviews building permit applications for building code and zoning compliance, and issues building permits and certificate of occupancy. Staff can answer questions about some zoning laws, such as fencing requirements and setback regulations. The building department also inspects and monitors accessory apartments for compliance and renewal of permits.
William Cargain is Lewisboro’s building inspector. He can be reached at 763-3060 or building@lewisborogov.com. Peter C. Barrett is deputy inspector.
What is the Planning Board?
The Planning Board oversees the planning and development approval processes. Its primary function is to review and approve residential and non-residential applications relating to land subdivision, site plan development, and special use permits. This includes plans relating to proposed roads, commercial development, and multi-family residential buildings. The board also reviews applications, including violations where fines may be imposed, relating to activities affecting wetlands, ponds, lakes and watercourses.
The planning administrator is Aimee Hodges. She can be reached at Onatru Farm at 763-5592. The five board members, appointed to five-year terms by the Town Board, meet at the Town House the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. They are listed under Town Officials.
What does the town planning consultant do?
The planning consultant is a trained professional who assists the Planning Board, suggesting changes for growth, and supervising the subdivisions and other developments regulated by the Planning Department, which includes the Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as the regulating of wetlands and conservation. He or she also reviews all applications before the Planning Board and assists the Town Board in the development of new or revised town ordinances. The planner is appointed by the Town Board. Matthew Rudikoff Associates of Beacon acts as planning consultant for the town.
Who regulates wetlands in the town?
The town’s wetlands ordinance is enforced by the wetlands inspector and the planning board. Wetlands are defined as areas that are flooded or saturated at frequent intervals and for a long enough period to support plants that are specially adapted for life in a wet environment. In Lewisboro, wetlands are delineated on the basis of plants and soils. Wetlands can be difficult to detect by the average lay person and it may take a professional trained in botany or soil science to properly identify and delineate wetlands. Wetland Activity Applications are submitted to the wetland inspector who in consultation with a planning board member of the wetland subcommittee determines if the Wetland Activity Permit may be issued by the wetland inspector or whether it is to be reviewed by the full planning board. The planning board may approve, deny or set conditions for the activity.
Jay Fain is Lewisboro’s wetlands inspector. He is available by appointment Thursday mornings from 9 to noon. Call Aimee Hodges at 763-5592. You may e-mail wetlandinspector@lewisborogov.com.
What is the Zoning Board of Appeals?
Variances to the town’s zoning ordinance are granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, which meets monthly in the Town House. Members decide appeals from any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official or agency charged with enforcing the zoning ordinance. The board also reviews applications for temporary storage of contractors’ equipment, private kennels, accessory apartments, ranching, the raising of field crops, or any other special permit uses.
Members are appointed to a five-year term. They are listed under Town Officials. The office number at Onatru Farm is 763-3822.
What does the town clerk do?
The town clerk is an elected four-year, full-time salaried position. She is the citizens’ most frequent town contact and usually the first to be called when information is needed. The town clerk, as secretary to the Town Board, attends all the board’s meetings and keeps copies of all proceedings of all Town Board and committee meetings. She files certificates, oaths, contracts and other papers as required by law, and keeps a record of all town ordinances. She certifies names of appointed and elected town officials; sells dog, fishing and hunting licenses; issues marriage licenses; and swears in all town officials. The town clerk, whose duties double as registrar of vital statistics, keeps records of births, deaths and marriages. The clerk also serves as the records access officer and the officer who handles freedom of information law requests. The town clerk’s office also manages the town’s Web site at www.lewisborogov.com.
Kathy Cory is Lewisboro Town Clerk. Florence Furdyna is deputy town clerk. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 to 4:30 and by appointment. Call 763-3511.
What does the finance director do?
The finance office is an arm of the supervisor’s office, assisting in the creation and administration of the town’s budget. The director also pays the town’s bills and oversees the payroll for the town’s employees. She is also responsible for all record-keeping of town funds, investments and payments. Lewisboro’s finance director is Michael Melillo. She may be reached at 763-8383.
Who presides over historical sections of town?
The Architecture and Community Appearance and Review Council, established in 1987, assists the Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals in reviewing applications that affect the appearance and character of Lewisboro’s “special character districts” - Old Goldens Bridge, parts of Cross River, Waccabuc, South Salem, and Lewisboro Hamlet. The council approves the design of houses and buildings, landscaping, walls, signs, the removal of trees and erection of fences. The seven-member council must include two licensed architects. For information, call 763-3822.
Members, appointed by the Town Board for three-year terms, meet the second Wednesday at the Town House at 8 p.m. They are: Re Hagele, chairman; Jan Axel; Ciorsdan Conran; Peter Clark; and Gail Ascher.
What is the Open Space Advisory Council?
The council makes recommendations to the town board regarding opportunities to preserve open space. An inventory of Lewisboro’s 330 preserved acres is online at www.lewisborogov.com/committees/open-space.html. Major pieces of open space include the 383-acre Leon Levy Preserve, 111-acre Houlihan property in Waccabuc, the 106-acre Frederic P. Rose Preserve in Cross River, and the 29-acre Echo Farm in South Salem.
For the council’s meeting calendar, call the town clerk at 763-3511.
The members, appointed to two-year terms are: Edward J. Delaney, chairman; Charles Flayham, Jr.; Maureen J. Maguire; Steven S. Morowitz; J. Mark Patek; Jonathan Weisner; and Linda Press Wolfe.
What is the Antenna Advisory Board?
This board keeps track of antenna technology and zoning compliance with FCC rulings, and makes recommendations on applications for the construction of antennas. It also advises on amendments to and enforcement of zoning laws relating to cellular towers. Each February, the board publishes a summary of FCC rules that might affect Lewisboro concerning cellular towers. It must also include a list of proposed tower sites and all transmitting antennas installed in the previous year, as well as a map of antenna distribution.
The five members are appointed to staggered five-year terms by the town board. They are: Tibor Sohonyay, chairman; Neil Berman; Alan Cole; Arthur Einstein; and Tom LoBosco.
What is the Lake Management Committee?
Lewisboro’s newest committee is charged with developing an overall plan for the management of the town’s seven lakes: Kitchawan, Truesdale, Waccabuc, Rippowam, Oscaleta, Timber, and Katonah. The committee will also work with the town’s grant consultant to obtain funding for lake projects. Members have yet to be appointed.
Who are the town justices and when is court in session?
Town justices are elected and serve four-year terms. The Town Court tries all traffic infractions, misdemeanors (lesser degree crimes: petit larceny, inciting a riot, criminal nuisance, annoying phone calls, joy-riding, assault where there is no intent to cause serious injury), and violations, including those of local codes and ordinances, committed in the town, as well as civil cases where one or the other of the contestants lives or works in the town. Marc Seedorf and Susan Simon are the town justices.
For vehicle and traffic issues, court is in session every Monday at 8 p.m. For all other issues, specifically criminal, civil, and dog complaints; building and zoning code violations, court convenes alternate Mondays at 7 p.m. For information, call Court Clerk Nancy Artese at 763-5417.
What does a notary public do?
The most common duties of a notary public are to administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits and depositions, and receive and certify proof of deeds, mortgages, and powers of attorney. There are notaries at the town house, and often at banks.
What are public notices?
Many public notices announce when public hearings will take place. Others advertise the seeking of bids for purchases or construction; give notice of lost property; report upcoming elections, primaries or caucuses; list proposed budgets; and publish the texts of proposed ordinances. The town places its public notices in The Lewisboro Ledger, although it is not the official newspaper. The Katonah-Lewisboro School District places its public notices in The Journal News.
What is the New York Open Meetings Law?
The open meetings law applies to public bodies such as town boards, their committees, and subcommittees. The law requires the public and news media be given at least 72 hours notice for a meeting scheduled at least a week in advance. For meetings scheduled less than a week in advance, notice must be given “to the extent possible” by posting it in one or more designated public locations.
An executive session is part of an open meeting from which the public may be excluded. A board must specify why it is going into executive session, such as “to discuss the employment history of a particular person.” It may not state a vague purpose, such as “personnel matters.”
A public body cannot vote to appropriate public monies during a closed session.
Minutes of an open meeting must b made available within two weeks of the meeting. Minutes of executive sessions must be made available within one week.
What county district are we in?
We are in the 2nd District of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, which represents Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, and part of Somers. Our legislator is Republican Ursula LaMotte of Bedford, the minority whip, first elected in 1995. She may be reached at 800 Michaelian Office Building, 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, 10601, or by phone at 995-2810. E-mail her at ugl6@westchestergov.com. Find Mrs. LaMotte online at www.westchesterlegislators.com.
How can I write to the County Executive?
Write to County Executive Andrew Spano at Michaelian Office Building, 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains 10601, call 995-2900. The county Web site is www.WestchesterGov.com. E-mail Mr. Spano at ceo@westchestergov.com.
What state senatorial district are we in?
We are in the 40th State Senatorial District. Our state senator, Vincent L. Leibell, a Republican, may be reached at his office, Room 113, 1974 Commerce Street, Yorktown Heights, N.Y. 10598, 245-6230, fax: 245-8803; or Room 609, Legislative Office Building, Albany 12217; 518-455-3111; or via e-mail leibell@senate.state.ny.us. His Web site is at www.senate.state.ny.us.
What general assembly district are we in?
We are in the 89th Assembly District. Our assemblyman is Adam T. Bradley, a Democrat. He may be reached at 4 New King Street, Town of North Castle, White Plains 10604, 914-686-7335 or LOB 529, Albany, N.Y. 12248, 518-455-5397. E-mail: bradleya@assembly.state.ny.us. His Web site is at www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem.
What U.S. congressional district are we in?
We are in the 19th Congressional District and represented by Congresswoman Sue Kelly, Republican of Katonah. Her offices are at 2182 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, 202-225-5441; 2025 Crompound Road, Yorktown Heights 10589, 914-962-0761. She may be e-mailed at dearsue@mail.house.gov. Mrs. Kelly has a Web site at www.suekelly.house.gov.
Who are our U.S. senators?
We are represented by Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton, both Democrats.
Mr. Schumer may be reached at 757 Third Avenue, Room 17-02, New York 10017, 212-486-4430, fax, 212-486-7693 or 313 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-6542. E-mail him at senator@schumer.senate.gov. His Web site is www.schumer.senate.gov.
Mrs. Clinton may be reached at P.O. Box 617, Hartsdale 10530, 914-725-9294; or 476 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-4451. You may e-mail her at senator@clinton.senate.gov. Her Web site is www.clinton.senate.gov.
How can I write to Governor Pataki?
Write to Governor George E. Pataki at the Executive Chamber, The Capitol, Albany, N.Y. 12224. His phone number is 518-474-8390. The state’s Web site is www.state.ny.us.
How can I write to President Bush?
Write to George W. Bush, White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500. The White House maintains a “comments line” at 202-456-1111. The main switchboard is 202-456-1414. E-mail Mr. Bush at President@whitehouse.gov.