[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the
Town of Southampton 10-13-1992 by L.L. No. 42-1992. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
A.
The Town Board of the Town of Southampton hereby establishes
a separate fund to be known as an "Environmental Savings Fund."
B.
There shall be paid into said fund:
(1)
Such amounts contributed to the Town as a gift under the Gift for Southampton's Heritage Program authorized by § 158-2 of this chapter.
(2)
Amounts from other governments or private conservative
organizations to effect the purposes of the fund.
(3)
Other funds from private sources specifically earmarked
for this fund.
(4)
Such other funds as may be legally appropriated.
C.
The amounts paid into the Environmental Savings Fund
shall be used exclusively for the following purposes only:
(1)
The costs relating to the acquisition of open spaces
and areas pursuant to § 247 of the General Municipal Law.
(2)
The costs relating to the management of lands acquired
as open spaces or areas where management activities, including activities
intended to enhance the visual or recreational appeal of the area,
would be consistent with the goals of preservation and would promote
enjoyment of said lands.
(3)
The costs relating to Town-approved projects to control
or remedy pollution to Town surface waters. Said projects shall be
determined to be innovative and necessary to protect a critically
important natural resource. Costs to maintain or repair existing infrastructure
or relating to normal operation and maintenance of Town facilities
shall not be eligible.
(5)
Programs, support services, and grants to further
environmental initiatives, including, but not limited to, habitat
restoration, wildlife rehabilitation services, public access enhancements
(i.e., kiosks, trail blazing), and energy conservation projects.
[Added 5-27-2008 by L.L. No. 34-2008]
D.
The Town Board may establish a Citizens Advisory Committee
of five to seven members for the purpose of evaluating and recommending
eligible projects under the provision of this chapter. However, only
the Town Board by formal resolution may authorize an expenditure from
the fund.
E.
The monies in such fund shall be deposited in one
or more of the banks or trust companies designated as banks of deposit
by the Town Board. The Supervisor may invest the monies in such fund
obligations permitted by the state law. Any interest earned or capital
gain realized on the money so deposited or invested shall accrue to
and become part of such fund.
[Amended 5-27-2008 by L.L. No. 34-2008]
F.
The Supervisor shall account for this fund separate
and apart from all other funds of the Town. Such accounting shall
show the source, date and the amount of each sum paid into the fund;
the interest earned by such fund; capital gains or losses resulting
from the sale of investments of this fund; the order, source thereof,
date and amount of each payment from this fund; and the assets of
the fund indicating cash balance and a schedule of investments. The
Supervisor, within 60 days of the end of each fiscal year, shall furnish
a detailed report of the operation and condition of this fund to the
Town Board, and may delegate such duty to the Receiver of Taxes.
[Amended 5-27-2008 by L.L. No. 34-2008]
G.
Said fund shall also be subject to all requirements
and limitations provided for by state law.
H.
The Town Board, by resolution, may establish rules
and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
Effective for any fiscal year commencing after the effective date of this chapter, an individual may elect to contribute to the Southampton Town Environmental Savings Fund for the purposes stated in § 158-1C of this chapter. The Receiver of Taxes shall include space on the annual real property tax bill or provide an enclosure with said bill to enable a taxpayer to make such a contribution. Such contribution shall be in any whole dollar amount and shall not reduce the amount of real property tax due. All revenue collected pursuant to this section shall be credited to the Environmental Trust Fund and shall be used only for the purposes stated in § 158-1C of this chapter.
