Brightwaters Village eyes trustee benefits

Brightwaters Village trustees aren't paid, but they do receive free health benefits, and some residents ask whether the issue should be brought to a vote.

Meanwhile, John Valdini, the lone trustee from the Common Good Party on the village's four-member board, said he was never told about the benefits.

With about 40 people gathered at Monday night's board of trustees meeting, residents discussed the benefits issue. Questioned by residents, Mayor Joseph McNulty, who along with trustees Robert W. Fischer and Charles Fischer and village Justice Barry V. Pittman receive health insurance, said it helps "encourage volunteerism."

Christine O'Shea, the village clerk, said trustees -- and all elected officials -- began receiving family coverage in 1997. In 2001, the board added that trustees serving 10 years or more should receive benefits for life.

Providing benefits for the trustees costs the village about $72,000 a year, or $66 annually for the average taxpayer.

Many at the meeting said they were unaware that board members received benefits, but the large majority supported the idea. "These trustees work very hard and they don't get paid for what they do, so they should get health insurance," said Steven Pertusati, 51, a mortgage banker.

But some at the meeting, such as Common Good Party member Patrick Fawcett, said the benefits should be rescinded or put up to vote.

Valdini, who has been on the board for two years, said he first learned of the benefits a few weeks ago when reviewing the village's budget.

McNulty said the clerk is responsible" for informing trustees of benefits. But O'Shea said she had "never told anyone" about the coverage and "thought the mayor would mention it."