Clifton Park adopts $17.5M budget for 2019
Spending plan includes upgrades in equipment
Clifton Park The Town Board has unanimously adopted its 2019 budget of $17.5 million, a 1.6 percent increase over 2018.
The budget increase, Supervisor Phil Barrett said in a press release, represents a larger than normal hike in health care costs for town employees and what he is calling a significant investment in upgrades in equipment, vehicles and recreational infrastructure.
Also included in the budget is funding for a hazardous waste collection program, which be held in September 2019, and continued support for CAPTAIN/CARE Links and the Clifton Park Senior Community Center.
“The Clifton Park town board continues to maintain a sharp focus on building and strengthening the Town of Clifton Park operations, recreational facilities, vehicles, equipment and general infrastructure,” Barrett said. “We will continue to invest in our large number of programs that serve our seniors, children and families throughout the year.”
Clifton Park does not have a general fund property tax but does have a highway and EMS tax. The highway fund budget for 2019 is $5.7 million, whichislessthana1 percent increase over the 2018. The highway tax will increase from 27.75 cents to 29.85 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. For a home assessed at $250,000, the total 2019 highway tax will total $74.63.
The EMS tax will be reduced in 2019. The tax rate will fall from 25.4 cents per $1,000 of assessed value to 24.18 cents. For a home assessed at $250,000, the total 2019 EMS tax will be $60.45.
The town spending plan does not exceed the state tax cap, but also does not include raises for employees. Barrett said that negotiations with two CSEA units are not yet complete. Barrett also said that one fulltime laborer position for buildings and grounds was added to the town employee roster, filling a position of a higher grade following a departure.
“Since 2000, we have worked to strengthen the town’s fiscal position and provide tax relief in the areas of town responsibility,” Barrett said. “We are proud of the results we have delivered so far and Clifton Park is uniquely positioned for future success.”
wliberatore@ timesunion.com 518-4545445 @wendyliberatore