Currently Smithtown teenagers, working for the Town’s Recreation Department, make as little as $8 per hour. A proposal presented by Councilman Creighton would give the children of Smithtown taxpayers a dollar more, which is 25 cents over the New York State Minimum wage. At last Tuesday’s Town board meeting, the motion to establish the minimum wage increase for seasonal employees, beginning April 1st, 2016 was read on by Councilman Bob Creighton. Although the motion was seconded by Councilman Edward Wehrheim, the read on was quickly tabled by Councilwoman Lynne Nowick.
When asked why the proposal was introduced at the August 11th board meeting, Councilman Creighton brought up the time sensitive nature behind the motion.
“The 2016 town budget discussions begin in mid August between the Comptroller and the Supervisor. This is the time to do the research to find the money to get our children what the state defines as the general industry minimum. If we don’t bring it up on the record now, what’s to stop it from being overlooked in next years budget?” – Councilman Bob Creighton
According to analysis from the Smithtown Comptroller, Donald Musgnug, the town would need to budget an additional $23,000 for seasonal salaries in next year’s budget. In 2016, the town of Smithtown will have saved double that amount; in personnel salaries, with the replacement of two administrative positions at significant pay decreases.
In an article published in today’s Newsday, Supervisor Vecchio accused Councilman Creighton of having a political agenda. However, some might argue that the Supervisor ignored Creighton’s paperwork to add the proposal to the meeting agenda as politically motivated. Why would a person decline to add a motion to the meeting, having all paperwork filed weeks in advance, unless they had a hidden motive?
The Smithtown Supervisor called the minimum wage increase “immaterial for most families” to Newsday, in the same article. In July, after strict warning from the Comptroller to “tighten our belts” in 2015, Supervisor Vecchio defended two employees with similar raises, telling Newsday the concerns were a “a tempest in a teapot.”
How should taxpayers react when the town can justify minimal pay increases, regardless of warnings of potential fiscal concerns and call similar raises immaterial one month later? Is it right to pay our children below the minimum wage, just because it’s not illegal? One thing is certain… If parents do not speak up for their children, our youth will seek seasonal employment elsewhere, whicht has already begun to cause the town financial concerns. Don’t take our word; just watch the special Town Board Meeting tomorrow morning and learn why the Animal Shelter must hire a new part time attendant.