Town budget hearing set for Wednesday

Town Board members have set a Wednesday public hearing on a proposed $3.73 million 2017 budget carrying a 1.21 percent decrease of $45,763.

The session is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall at 7340 South Broadway.

Under the spending plan there would be a $2.3 million property tax levy representing a 1.04 percent decrease of $24,079. The budget would be $27,595 under the state tax levy limit that covers the town’s budget as well as the taxes charged to all special district.

Supervisor Robert McKeon in a prepared statement said the budget benefits through grant funding partnerships that helps in working toward help residents enjoy rural characteristics of the town.

“This 2017 budget reflects our emphasis on expense management while setting aside funds for community investment,” he said. “Those initiatives include upgrading and expanding our recreational facilities; funding safer roads for pedestrians and bicyclists; and zoning updates to protect community character.”

Salaries in the budget include supervisor at $29,504 for a 2 percent increase of $579; each of four Town Board members at $33,133 for a 1.99 percent increase of $648; two justices at $17,033 each for a 2 percent increase of $334; clerk at $53,255 for a 2 percent increase of $1,044; and highway superintendent at $62,545 for a 2 percent increase of $1,226.

Changes in the budget include:

• Mortgage tax at $180,000 for a 12.5 percent increase of $20,000.

• Police protection at $62,500 for a 25 percent increase of $12,500.

• Zoning code revisions at $30,000 for a 33.33 percent decrease of $15,000.

• Planning engineering at $110,000 for an 8.33 percent decrease of $10,000.

• Road repairs at $206,364 for a 2 percent increase of $4,056.

• Major road improvements at $65,000 for a 30 percent increase of $15,000.

• Snow removal payroll at $103,182 for a 2 percent increase of $2,028.

• Highway salt purchases at $90,000 for a 9.09 percent decrease of $9,000.

• State retirement at $126,152 for a 2.52 percent decrease of $3,259.

• Social Security expenses at $71,556 for a 0.11 percent decrease of $76.

• Hospital and medical insurance at $252,953 for an 11.7 percent increase of $26,495.