Events

After what seems like months, the town board has modified the original "tentative" budget and given birth to the "preliminary" budget that will be the subject of a public hearing, next Thursday night, November 9, beginning at 6:45 PM. Attached in excel are 2006 and 2007 comparisons of appropriations, tax levies, assessments, and tax rates. The actual budget is attached as well, also in excel.

We are pretty psyched, as we have managed to support ongoing and new priorities with very low increases in appropriations and tax levies. Depending on whether voters approve the Library Referendum, the discretionary increase for next year in spending will amount to $43,915, with total municipal spending just over $4 million. That represents a 1.11% increase in the total budget. If the Library referendum is approved, the increase in spending for all municipal purposes will be 3.33%.

Since we've included more accurate revenue projections for mortgage and sales tax receipts and anticipated increases in fees and investment income, the town board will increase the tax levy by $12,191 or one half of 1%. If the library referendum is approved, the total increase in the tax levy for municipal purposes will be $100,191 or 4.59%.

Please review the attached budget material and write or call with any questions. I'll do my best to provide timely answers. And please come to the hearing, if you have questions, if you disagree with any of our preliminary decisions, or if you are pleased with what we've done.

We'll start promptly at 6:45PM next Thursday, two days after the election, in town hall.