I would like to take this time to congratulate Garden City college-bound residents Erin Brennan, John McGill and Colin Quinn who are the recipients of this year's Irish Americans in Government Scholarship Awards. The Village of Garden City, enrolled in an Energy Conservation Program, together with other Water Districts of the Long Island Water Conference, received a check in the amount of $9,579.46 from Energy Curtailment Specialists (ECS) for its participation in the 2007-2008 winter program. This program is for our agreeing to switch to generator usage when high usage days are designated. Following extensive discussion and consideration, during the preparation of the village's 2008/2009 budget, at the May 22 board of trustees meeting, the board increased the water rates effective June 1. As residents are aware, the water budget is funded solely by revenue derived by its consumers, not from the general village taxes. The increase of approximately 5 percent* is necessary due to the extensive capital project investments made in adding treatment facilities to our system in order to assure the delivery of pure water to our residents. (* 4.88-5.16 percent depending on the billing step). The village mailed tax bills earlier this week to residents and their banks. The first half of village taxes are due during June and will be delinquent and subject to a penalty if payment is not made by July 1. If you have a question, please call the Tax Department at Village Hall at 465-4156 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The next board of trustees meeting will be held Thursday, June 19. The meeting dates for the summer will be as follows: July 17 and Aug. 21. The meetings will be held in the Board Room at Village Hall and will begin at 8 p.m. I encourage residents to periodically utilize the village's website for information regarding the village's operations, as well as items of seasonal and special interest. The address is www.gardencityny.net. Also please be aware that I have a village email address and would be delighted to hear from village residents about their concerns - it is as follows: MayorPBee@gardencityny.net.