
FULTON – During the public hearing at Tuesday’s Council Meeting regarding the 2025 Fulton City Budget, community members voiced their opinions on key city issues, including budget allocations and council representation.
Mayor Rice’s opening speech for the first public hearing on the proposed 2025 General Budget highlights key challenges and decisions faced by the City of Fulton. They noted increases in personnel services due to wage pressures and additional costs in employee benefits, amounting to $311,408.
Mayor Rice added, “Addressing this inequity has not been easy, especially with declining revenues unrelated to the property tax totaling around $358,481.00. Leading the way in reductions is sales tax, where year-over-year revenues remain flat. We are forecasting a $69,503 reduction in the 2025 revenue from the projections in fiscal year 2024.”
The budget development process involved significant revisions and hard choices to reach the current proposal. Concerns were raised about relying on one-time revenues and not adequately addressing short-term needs or long-term planning.
Councilman Taylor posted on Facebook “I realize this is an increase this year in taxes but just as everyone of us has cost increases in our private lives, we have increases in our city operating expenses.
The highlighted portion is the increase per $100,000 of your property values.”
David Phares took the floor to propose an increase in campground fees, suggesting that this adjustment could help alleviate some of the financial pressures within the city’s budget.
Frank Castiglia addressed the recent resignation of Councilman Doug Chapman, proposing a reduction in the size of the Common Council by either one or two members, emphasizing that such a move might be beneficial given the changing residency dynamics within the city. Mayor Rice said that when Mayor Woodward was in office, He also brought up the reduction in the number of City Councilors, but it did not go anywhere.
Castiglia also raised concerns about the current number of patrol officers, questioning whether the city could save costs by reducing the police force. He referenced a study of the police department conducted several years ago. However, Police Chief Curtis defended the necessity of the current number of patrol officers, clarifying that the study addressed total personnel, not just those on patrol. He reiterated that a robust patrol officer presence is crucial for community safety.
Another topic of discussion was the potential closure of the West Side Fire Station, although specifics on this proposal were not detailed during the meeting.
During the open comment period, Frank Castiglia further queried the circumstances surrounding Doug Chapman’s resignation, specifically when Chapman had officially relocated and whether he continued to receive compensation while not residing in his designated ward. Mayor Rice clarified that Chapman’s pay was halted upon the receipt of his resignation. Councilman Farnham spoke on behalf of Chapman, stating that he had lived in the 2nd ward until just a week prior to the council meeting. Notably, Mr. Chapman has been absent from council meetings since August.
Mr Castiglia mentioned that the City councilors should put forth a referendum for raises and have the public vote on it. During closing statements from councilors, Mr Taylor stated, “Frank, as far as increases for the Common Council. I will never support an increase. This job ain’t about the money. You have to love your community. You have to love where you live and the people you serve in order to do this job.”
Link to Fulton’s 2025 Budget https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MjDZ90Wf-4wpeNL4FLcuTo6UF-pO5lqg/view
Discover more from Oswego County Today
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.