SCIPIO - The Scipio Town Board reviewed its proposed 2009 budget with some uncertainty, overshadowed by the looming prospect of a multi-billion dollar deficit in the state budget.
Cautious in the estimates proposed, the town tried to anticipate the actions that could be taken by the state and federal governments and the impact on the economy. The board resolved to approve its preliminary budget as amended and set a date for a public hearing on the budget at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5.
Total revenues for the proposed budget are estimated at $604,270, or about an increase of $95,000 over last year's budget. Real property tax revenues of $274,000 are based on a 2 percent increase in property taxes.
The town had set aside funds to purchase a new pickup truck for the highway department, but highway superintendent Ron Walter was waiting to price vehicles. He had looked at two or three trucks and told the board that in 2010, emissions standards are going to be higher, so that would not only increase the price but most likely the cost of maintaining it. As it takes almost a year until the truck is actually delivered after being ordered, the board concluded that truck prices should be researched as soon as possible. The board considered its options if it decides to buy a truck: it has $50,000 in a contractual expense account that it could use all or part of toward the cost; it could borrow, or it could take money from its unappropriated fund account.
While everyone agreed there was no harm in getting prices, the town supervisor questioned trying to avoid the emissions.
“I'm opposed to avoid doing something against cleaner air,” Keith Batman, town supervisor said. “It's not the money I want to save on principle.”
In other news
The board also unanimously agreed to increase the sticker fee for its trash by 25 percent, to $2.50 per bag, effective Jan. 1.
Planning board member Roger Ward resigned and the board unanimously agreed to appoint Keith Welch for the remainder of the year. The board can re-appoint Ward at the beginning of 2009 for a five-year term at its reorganizational meeting.
The board also unanimously appointed Tom Olenych to the board of assessment review, a five-year appointment.
County legislator George Fearon, who attended the meeting, told the board the Legislature voted to give the old voting machines to the towns to dispose of if they wished, most likely to sell for scrap metal.
The comprehensive planning committee will hold its first fall meeting Oct. 15. About 800 surveys were sent to Scipio residents and the committee has incorporated all information from the survey into the narrative of the comprehensive plan. They will continue to work on it.
The town agreed 4-1 to join the Workman's Compensation Plan proposed by the county.
Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311, ext. 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net
Total revenues for the proposed budget are estimated at $604,270, or about an increase of $95,000 over last year's budget. Real property tax revenues of $274,000 are based on a 2 percent increase in property taxes.
The town had set aside funds to purchase a new pickup truck for the highway department, but highway superintendent Ron Walter was waiting to price vehicles. He had looked at two or three trucks and told the board that in 2010, emissions standards are going to be higher, so that would not only increase the price but most likely the cost of maintaining it. As it takes almost a year until the truck is actually delivered after being ordered, the board concluded that truck prices should be researched as soon as possible. The board considered its options if it decides to buy a truck: it has $50,000 in a contractual expense account that it could use all or part of toward the cost; it could borrow, or it could take money from its unappropriated fund account.
While everyone agreed there was no harm in getting prices, the town supervisor questioned trying to avoid the emissions.
“I'm opposed to avoid doing something against cleaner air,” Keith Batman, town supervisor said. “It's not the money I want to save on principle.”
In other news
The board also unanimously agreed to increase the sticker fee for its trash by 25 percent, to $2.50 per bag, effective Jan. 1.
Planning board member Roger Ward resigned and the board unanimously agreed to appoint Keith Welch for the remainder of the year. The board can re-appoint Ward at the beginning of 2009 for a five-year term at its reorganizational meeting.
The board also unanimously appointed Tom Olenych to the board of assessment review, a five-year appointment.
County legislator George Fearon, who attended the meeting, told the board the Legislature voted to give the old voting machines to the towns to dispose of if they wished, most likely to sell for scrap metal.
The comprehensive planning committee will hold its first fall meeting Oct. 15. About 800 surveys were sent to Scipio residents and the committee has incorporated all information from the survey into the narrative of the comprehensive plan. They will continue to work on it.
The town agreed 4-1 to join the Workman's Compensation Plan proposed by the county.
Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311, ext. 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net
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