Tentative budget shows 3 percent tax rate hike in village
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

The Williamsville Village Board has proposed a 2.99 percent increase in the tax rate from the 2006-07 budget.

The fiscal 2007-08 budget may have a tax rate of $4.17 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from this year's rate of $4.05 per $1,000.

"While I never like to see any tax increase, some years the increase is inevitable," Mayor Mary Lowther said. "We have contractual labor and service costs that escalate annually. That cannot be changed."

The total proposed budget in the general fund currently stands at roughly $2.8 million. The proposed estimated revenue is approximately $1.5 million, with an appropriated surplus of $188,000.

The balance to be raised by the tax levy is slightly less than $1.27 million.

Lowther said Hutchinson Hose proposed an 8 percent budget increase.

"The biggest push was the Fire Department," Trustee Brian Geary said.

He added that the department needs updated radios, which were extremely important during the October storm, and some of the hoses are beginning to fail.

"These are legitimate things they do need," Geary said. "When it comes to the fire and safety of the people, you do have to spend to keep everyone safe."

The October storm, Lowther noted, had minimal impact on the upcoming budget because much of the damage costs were covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Stump removal and replanting is not covered, but the village has applied for aid from Sen. Mary Lou Rath's office.

The Sewer Fund shows an increase for the first time in several years, Lowther said.

The total projected sewer budget is approximately $992,835. The rate may be $2.68 per 1,000 gallons for operational maintenance costs, but the rate may be 84 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for capital charges. This is up from last year's 69 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

"The sewer rate increased because there was a major problem at the siphon," Trustee Basil Piazza said. "As a result, we are now in need of major improvements that must be made to be in compliance with the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation)."

The projected 2007-08 Water Fund currently totals $890,113, and the rate may be $4.23 per 1,000 gallons.

The Glen Park Fund may have a total budget appropriation of $52,480, with an estimated revenue of $36,400. The appropriated surplus is $16,000.

The Debt Service Fund may have a total budget appropriation of $531,725.

Public hearings for the 2007-08 budget will be held beginning at 7:35 p.m. Monday, March 26 at Village Hall, 5565 Main St., Williamsville.