In a well attended Town Hall meeting Monday night in the Village of Alexander, the budget was passed unanimously and Richard Scharlau (pictured above) was elected mayor without any opposition.
Not one cross word was spoken about anything, even the four-cent property tax increase included in the budget.
The $213,248.89 spending plan received 55 yea votes and zero nays.
The property tax rate increase to $1.83 per thousand was largely the result of higher electric rates, which shot up during the winter, said Vera Antonucci, clerk and treasurer.
All assembled gave Antonucci a round of applause at the end of the meeting for how well the village is being run.
After the budget was passed, nominations were open for the trustee position. The nominees were Emma Grant and Matt Grimes.
Each candidate made a short statement. Grant said she worked for the county for 45 years and served on the Town of Alexander Board for eight years. Grimes moved to the village a year and a half ago, he said, and has been attending village meetings since.
Plain, square pieces of paper were then handed out to the village residents in attendance, then collected and counted. Grant beat Grimes 36 to 18 votes.
When nominations for mayor were open, only Scharlau's name was tossed into the ring. He was elected by unanimous consent.
The tax collector nominees were Nancy Bartz, the incumbent, and Dawn Townsend. Bartz won 41-13.
Nominees for village constable (primary duty, catching stray dogs) were incumbent Troy Robbins and Grimes. Robbins won 37-17.
