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EASTCHESTER, NY. With a $15 million budget, the power to increase town taxes, the authority to create and implement policy, and the responsibility of five buildings, members of the Eastchester Fire Commissioners board said they are wondering why more Eastchester residents arent paying more attention to budget planning.
"We are hoping to increase awareness so that more people can participate in our elections," said Ray Albanese, commissioner on the five-member board.
Albanese said under the direction of Chairperson Raymond O'Hare, he and three other board members are a busy group.
"We have five buildings one in Bronxville, two in Tuckahoe, headquarters on Main Street in Eastchester and one in the North End," he said.
Further, Albanese said the board is responsible for approximately 80 firefighters.
"Right now we are looking into ways to decrease the cost of insurance we provide for the firefighters," Albanese said. "All of our meetings are broadcast on cable, and everyone is welcome to attend."
Some commissioners have said they'd like to see the board's election time moved to coincide with the general election in 2012 to save money.
According to Albanese, the polls for the commission's election are currently only open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. but he'd like to see the times changed to 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Albanese said that he hopes his fellow board members support his proposal.
"We might be able to pass it tonight, but if not, at our next meeting in November," he said.
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