Katchen Coley was an indefatigable advocate for the environment at the municipal and state level, she lived René Dubos' axiom, "Think globally, act locally."
The Katchen Coley Open Space and Land Acquisition Fund would be "for the purpose of protecting and preserving the City of Middletown’s natural resources and rural character." Money for the fund could come from private or corporate donations, grants, or fees. The Common Council could make an appropriation each year, not to exceed the amount which would be generated by the imposition of a tax of two mills against the property subject to tax. The creation of the fund does not include an appropriation.
All interest and other income generated by the fund would remain in the fund. The fund could be used only for the purpose of protecting open space, no money could be transferred to other city accounts.
I am sorry I didn't get a chance to whole-heartedly endorse this fund at the meeting, although I thought that there already was an open space fund non-lapsing account line item in the budget (or there used to be). If this was approved I would like to be one of the first to contribute. Could someone please let us know how to do this properly?
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