Village Board Re-Adopts Speed Camera Home Rule Request, Approves $15,000 for Assistant Manager Recruitment

The Croton-on-Hudson Board of Trustees re-adopted a home rule request for the third time in as many weeks on June 2, seeking state authorization for a school speed zone camera demonstration program, and approved a $15,000 contract to recruit an assistant village manager over the objections of Trustee Maria Slippen.

Speed Camera Home Rule Request

The board unanimously approved Resolution 117-2026, the third version of a home rule request needed because of ongoing amendments to the enabling legislation in Albany. Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg has introduced bill A11322-B in the State Assembly, and State Senator Peter Harckham has introduced companion bill S10058-C in the State Senate. Village Manager Bryan Healy explained that each time the state legislation changes, a new home rule request must be submitted. The latest revision deals with how tickets would be adjudicated and what happens if someone does not pay. Trustee Stacey Nachtaler emphasized that residents should understand what the vote does and does not mean. "I just wanna add because I in speaking to residents, they don't really understand what home rule means," [source][3:52] Nachtaler said. She clarified that adopting the request does not commit the board to implementing speed cameras. Trustee Nora Nicholson drew a comparison to the village's red light camera authorization, which the governor signed into law in October 2025 but has not yet been implemented locally. "We have the authority, but we haven't actually even begun the implementation process of that," [source][5:44] Nicholson said, noting that the home rule request simply gives the village the option to act in the future. Nachtaler also called for a broader approach if the topic returns at a future work session. "I would just ask for us to consider, like, a comprehensive camera strategy approach," [source][6:44] she said, suggesting the board look at school zones, intersections, and red lights together rather than piecemeal. Trustee Maria Slippen echoed that sentiment and noted that the Police Advisory Committee plans to discuss a community survey at its next meeting, which could touch on resident concerns about cameras.

Assistant Village Manager Recruitment

The board voted 4-1 to authorize Healy to accept a $15,000 proposal from Pracademic Partners for recruitment services to fill a newly created assistant village manager position. Slippen cast the lone opposing vote. Deputy Mayor Len Simon noted that the board had set aside funding for the position during spring budget deliberations. "I'm very grateful that we set aside funding for the future hiring of of an assistant village manager," [source][9:50] Simon said, calling the position "almost overdue" given the board's ambitious agenda. He added that the hire is "one of the most important hires that we've had in the village since we hired the manager way back in 2021." [source][11:07] Nachtaler supported the contract and acknowledged Healy's workload. "I think if we can help, you know, you attract great talent to support you and and the village on a approximately $24,000,000 budget," [source][11:43] she said, also thanking Healy for negotiating a lower fee than originally proposed. Slippen, however, argued the village could handle the recruitment itself. "I think $15,000 is a lot of money, especially for what the salary of this position is going to be," [source][12:33] Slippen said. "I would be in favor of trying to do this ourselves without entering into this contract." She emphasized that she supports the position itself and is not opposed to using consultants when warranted. Nachtaler responded that timing was a factor. "Timing is of the essence in trying to recruit this position," [source][13:27] she said, citing succession planning and transition needs. Nicholson pointed out that the cost was budgeted. "This was part of our contingency when we passed the budget back in April," [source][14:12] she said. She noted that Pracademic Partners would also help develop the job description and duties for the new role, not just handle recruitment. Mayor Brian Pugh acknowledged the board could potentially fill the position without the firm, but said the risk was too great. "Given the time pressures we are under, I would not wanna take that chance, because I think getting the right person in the job is paramount," [source][14:53] Pugh said. The resolution calls for a $15,000 budget transfer from the contingency fund to the municipal executive contractual line in the 2026-2027 General Fund budget.

Vouchers Approved

The board approved vouchers totaling $562,091.09, including $400,446.84 from the general fund, $26,224.56 from the water fund, $10,482.90 from the sewer fund, $119,902.07 from the capital fund, and $5,034.72 from the trust fund.