SCIPIO - The 2009 preliminary budget for the Town of Scipio passed unanimously after a public hearing Wednesday night.
The total proposed budget was $604,270, an increase over last year's budget totaling $509,746.35, with an increase in the tax levy of 2 percent.
The board also discussed highway expenses for the upcoming year, especially how to replace equipment in the most efficient, cost-effective way.
Establishing a rollover system for highway equipment replacement appealed to board members, with pickup trucks, 10-wheelers and plow equipment under consideration.
Rotating three trucks over a period of eight or nine years would save the town money in the long run.
Ron Walter, highway superintendent, revived discussion of the need to purchase a 2009 pickup truck for about $33,000.
The alternative would be to order the pickup through the state by Nov. 14.
The board resolved to purchase the truck through the state for about $26,500.
The old 2007 truck, still under warranty, will be taken to auction in May.
Walter also quoted the price for a Western Star 10-wheeler at $159,597.
Town Supervisor Keith Batman suggested putting a rotation system for equipment in writing to bring it to the board's attention when replacements are due.
The board recalled a schedule for the timespan had already been prepared, so the town clerk will review minutes in order to locate it.
In other news:
€ County-wide reassessments are still being considered as the county plans to meet with towns by region. Scipio will be included in a region with Genoa and Venice.
€ The board briefly discussed election night.
Keith Welch, comprehensive planning committee member, also worked at the town hall for elections.
Welch said he believed it was worthy to note that everyone on the town board, planning board, and zoning board of appeals voted.
He also said that no handicapped voters used the Sequoia ImageCast voting machine, but one gentleman in a wheelchair asked to be escorted to a lever machine, which he preferred.
€ Batman reported on a land use symposium he recently attended which focused on planning with the watershed in mind.
“We can create rules, zoning or laws for things like lake views and open spaces,” he said.
He believed that the comprehensive planning committee, which has resumed its meeting schedule, might be interested in zoning that incorporates these concepts.
Batman said there was a lot of information at the meeting which he will try to include at future board meetings.
Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net
The board also discussed highway expenses for the upcoming year, especially how to replace equipment in the most efficient, cost-effective way.
Establishing a rollover system for highway equipment replacement appealed to board members, with pickup trucks, 10-wheelers and plow equipment under consideration.
Rotating three trucks over a period of eight or nine years would save the town money in the long run.
Ron Walter, highway superintendent, revived discussion of the need to purchase a 2009 pickup truck for about $33,000.
The alternative would be to order the pickup through the state by Nov. 14.
The board resolved to purchase the truck through the state for about $26,500.
The old 2007 truck, still under warranty, will be taken to auction in May.
Walter also quoted the price for a Western Star 10-wheeler at $159,597.
Town Supervisor Keith Batman suggested putting a rotation system for equipment in writing to bring it to the board's attention when replacements are due.
The board recalled a schedule for the timespan had already been prepared, so the town clerk will review minutes in order to locate it.
In other news:
€ County-wide reassessments are still being considered as the county plans to meet with towns by region. Scipio will be included in a region with Genoa and Venice.
€ The board briefly discussed election night.
Keith Welch, comprehensive planning committee member, also worked at the town hall for elections.
Welch said he believed it was worthy to note that everyone on the town board, planning board, and zoning board of appeals voted.
He also said that no handicapped voters used the Sequoia ImageCast voting machine, but one gentleman in a wheelchair asked to be escorted to a lever machine, which he preferred.
€ Batman reported on a land use symposium he recently attended which focused on planning with the watershed in mind.
“We can create rules, zoning or laws for things like lake views and open spaces,” he said.
He believed that the comprehensive planning committee, which has resumed its meeting schedule, might be interested in zoning that incorporates these concepts.
Batman said there was a lot of information at the meeting which he will try to include at future board meetings.
Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net
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