North Hempstead OKs sale of $2.2M in bonds

The North Hempstead Town Board has approved authorizing up to $2.2 million in bonds for various capital improvement projects.

The two Republicans on the Democratic-led board voted no on the bond resolutions at a meeting Tuesday night.

Republican Councilwoman Dina DeGiorgio said yesterday that she was seeking more information about the town's debt situation. She said the town will have to convert some of its short-term debt to long-term debt and added that she had asked town officials for debt service projections. "Without that information, and without looking at what our debt repayment plan is for the next five years, I don't think it's prudent to continue to borrow money," she said.

During the meeting, the other Republican, Angelo Ferrara, said while he supported projects such as a pump-out boat, "I just don't want to borrow money for it."

Approved were:

$500,000 to upgrade the sewer system at North Hempstead Beach Park.

$456,000 for security cameras and computer hardware and software.

$400,000 for improvements to the Solid Waste Management Authority facilities.

$200,000 to replace kennels at the town animal shelter.

$195,000 for grounds maintenance equipment and $74,000 to buy golf course equipment and furnishings for the Harbor Links Golf Course.

$165,000 for park improvements.

$115,000 for park maintenance equipment.

$80,000 for a pump-out boat, for which the town might receive a $60,000 grant.

The board unanimously approved a five-year capital plan.