Bogle Bids Farewell as Cambridge Mayor, Danko on Unpaid Leave

By Ashleigh Morris

CAMBRIDGE - On Wednesday evening, April 2, Mayor Carman Bogle presided over her last meeting after ten years in office, marking the end of her tenure as the mayor of the Village of Cambridge.

Bogle reflected on the journey, noting that this meeting was her 118th regular meeting, with countless additional meetings and hours dedicated to the role. Among the moments Bogle touched on were the loss of Chief George Bell, navigating the global COVID pandemic, working on police reform, and one of her greatest achievements—building the new firehouse. During Bogle's time in office, the Village was also a NYForward first-round winner and received numerous other grants and awards. Bogle called Cambridge her “fresh start in life” after moving there following the tragic loss of her husband. “I am proud to be among you villagers,” Bogle said.

2025 Budget Hearing

The board opened their 2025 budget hearing to a standing-room-only crowd after a routine tax cap override notice sparked concerns among tax-weary residents. Many turned out to question why the board needed to exceed the state-imposed levy limit.

Bogle explained that when the board first began looking at the budget, they were facing an 11% levy increase over the previous year. After two workshops, the increase was reduced to 8.13%. With new numbers calculated this week for PILOT agreements on properties in the village, the budget increase currently sits at 7.93%. According to the state’s numbers, the Village could increase the budget by just $30,000 over last year’s levy. The board’s current budget increases by $33,787, an increase of $1.17 per thousand dollars of assessed value. To remain under the cap, the board needs to reduce spending by roughly $3,700, which would bring the levy increase down to just under 5%.

During public comments, Heather Martin-Burke expressed concerns for families and those on fixed incomes who are already struggling to make ends meet, saying that raising taxes higher could significantly impact them.

Dean Mullen asked about the continued employment of Chief Robert Danko and why he was still being paid despite his recent conviction. Bogle attempted to move the discussion to the regular meeting, noting that the matter would be addressed later. Trustee Jim Griffith noted that the cost of the Police Chief would still be an item in the budget regardless of whether Danko holds the role.

Nancy Hammond suggested that municipalities seem to have an open checkbook, recommending the budget be “DOGEd.” Bogle responded, “We ‘doge’ this budget every year,” emphasizing that the budget is designed only to cover bills. Bogle also highlighted the challenge of equipment purchasing, citing how state-imposed monopolies and prevailing wage provisions drive up costs.

Griffith noted the Village’s history of keeping levy increases low under Bogle’s leadership. Bogle added that since taking office in 2015, the levy has increased by just $356,798, and the Village’s fiscal stress score has improved due to a reduction in fund balance and debt service. Bogle explained that prior smart budgeting allowed the Village to replace $250,000 in air packs for the fire department using the fund balance, avoiding loan interest and fees.

One department that saw increased costs was the Youth Department, which recently moved into an updated space in the former Sunshine Nursery School on Gilbert Street. While the building costs $12,000 more annually, $5,000 of that was offset by funds from the summer program budget. The department is mostly self-sufficient, with parents paying for staff and supplies while the Village provides the space. Bogle noted that the program, offered in various forms since the 1980s, is a vital resource to village families, especially given the already low availability of childcare in the region.

Resident Kathleen Ward announced plans to circulate a petition seeking the dissolution of the Village by December 2025, citing potential savings for residents. She suggested that Cambridge residents could save $15 per thousand dollars of assessed value and White Creek residents could save $40. Ward argued that village residents receive few services for their tax dollars outside of village employees. However, some attendees expressed concern about the loss of local services. Resident Jillian Herrington urged caution, saying that residents need to carefully consider the long-term consequences before supporting any dissolution effort.

Danko Placed on Unpaid Leave

Mayor Bogle read from a prepared statement regarding the employment status of Chief Robert Danko: “The Village Board called for an investigation into a personnel matter involving Chief Danko, relating to off-duty conduct. The investigation addressed the allegations levied against the Chief for off-duty conduct. Based on the recommendations made following the investigation, the Village Board has placed Chief Danko on continued leave without pay until such time as he can statutorily resume duties as a sworn police officer for the Village. Given that this is a personnel matter, the Village will not be making any further comments.”

Following the statement, several questions were raised about the timeline of Danko’s promotion and the circumstances surrounding his leave. Danko was promoted to Sergeant after the passing of Chief George Bell but was not promoted to Chief until the following summer, just days before his arrest. Bogle explained that Danko had not pursued the Chief’s exam earlier because the Board was not ready to officially replace Bell, allowing the community time to heal. Danko has since passed the Chief’s exam.

Bogle also addressed the issue of Danko being placed on unpaid leave rather than paid leave, noting that state laws influence some of these decisions and that legal matters are still pending.

Danko pled guilty in the Town of Salem court to a non-criminal violation of disorderly conduct. As part of that disposition, a stay-away order of protection was issued that still permits Danko to use and possess firearms. However, Danko’s ability to work remains impeded due to a separate Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), also known as a “Red Flag” order, which prohibits him from possessing firearms. ERPOs are intended to be used when there is an imminent risk of bodily injury to an individual or others.

Washington County, despite being relatively small, is among the largest issuers of ERPOs statewide since the law was enacted. Danko requested a hearing to remove the ERPO several months ago, but the appearance has been postponed at least twice. If the agency that applied for the ERPO does not seek an extension, the order will expire one year from its issuance.

Until the ERPO is lifted, Danko remains legally unable to perform his duties as a sworn police officer, and his status with the Village remains unchanged.

In Other News

The board approved a $1,000 contribution to the Balloon Festival fireworks. The closing for the sale of the old firehouse is scheduled, with a sale price of $140,000.

The village dump will be open for residents from Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can dispose of brush and yard waste but no large trees. Wood chips and leaf mulch are available. Trash is strictly prohibited, and if any trash is found, the dump will be closed for the season. Brush pickup will run from April 1 until May 8.

Trustee Steve Robertson thanked Bogle for her leadership, calling her a guiding light for the Village. He acknowledged her efforts in leading the Village out of financial troubles and improving its fiscal standing. The meeting concluded with the swearing-in of new Mayor Jim Sweeney (left) and Trustee Tim Kavanaugh. (right)