SKANEATELES - Skaneateles village trustees accepted the proposed 2007-08 budget featuring a slight tax levy decrease after a public hearing Monday.

A few attending the regular meeting asked questions for clarification before the board unanimously adopted the $3.3 million spending plan.

“Spending is up, revenue is up, taxes are down,” Mayor Robert Green said.

While spending increased by about $690,000 from this year, the revenue column also grew by $400,000.

The bulk of both increases comes from consolidating a few positions shared by the village's three budget divisions into the general fund for simpler bookkeeping. The cost of salaries is covered by transfers from the corresponding lines in the water and sewer funds, village clerk Sally Sheehan said.

The budget includes nearly $90,000 more than this year for street improvements. The village will also spend $65,000 to finish paying for a backhoe and purchase a $22,000 police car.

A larger share of county sales tax and some grant awards helped out on the revenue side. All told, the levy, or amount to be raised by taxes, will drop less than a percent, from $1,280,206 this year to $1,279,878.

Thanks in large part more than 50 percent increase in assessed property value, the tax rate will decrease by $1.89 or about 36 percent, from $5.25 per $1,000 this year to $3.36. A home assessed at $100,000 and increasing in value by 50 percent to $150,000 would have a tax bill of $504 in 2007-08 compared to $525 this year.

In other news:

€ The village board unanimously voted to endorse a proposal to expand parking at Grace Chapel Church located on Route 20 in the town. The church is seeking variances from the town to proceed with a proposed expansion.

“The congregation has gone from 250 to 400 and we're capped at 400 because we can't fit another car in the lot,” church representative Ron Hosie said.

The church plans to make the lot available to the public accessing nearby ball fields and other activities, he said.

€ Trustees unanimously proclaimed April 27 Arbor Day. The annual observance recognizes the importance and promotes planting of trees.

€ The board authorized the village Department of Public Works to institute summer hours from May through the first week of October. During the season, employees will work longer days Monday through Thursday with a shortened Friday.

Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net

By the numbers ...

2007-08 village of Skaneateles budget:

Spending: $3,309,672, up 26 percent

Tax levy: $1,279,878, down less than 1 percent

Tax rate: $3.36 per $1,000 of assessed value, down 36 percent