Ogden property tax rates will stay flat for the third year in a row pending the adoption of a $6.54 million budget for the year 2002. Tax rates will remain at their current level of $3.62 per thousand of assessed valuation in the Village of Spencerport, and $5.47 per thousand in the town outside the village.

Spending will increase by about three percent under the plan, from the current year budget of $6.35 million. The increase will be offset by a reduction in some expenses and expected increase in revenues.

Major areas of increase in the town spending plan include a 3.5 percent wage increase for employees; a $19,000 (seven percent) increase in the library budget to cover longer hours; $45,000 in equipment to maintain park facilities; $78,000 extra in highway equipment; and $20,000 more for road material.

At least one major expense will drop significantly. Health care insurance costs will decrease 5.7 percent. According to Supervisor Gay Lenhard, a switch from Blue Choice Extended to Blue Choice Select will create significant savings for the town. The only change for employees is a $15 co-pay instead of a $5 co-pay.

On the revenue side of the ledger, the tax base has increased, due to both residential construction and some light industrial coming fully onto the tax roll (from COMIDA). Lenhard said the budget predicts higher recreation program participation, resulting in more fees collected. The town is predicting a slight drop in sales tax revenue and plans to use $40,000 less in fund reserve balance than it did in the current year.

A public hearing on the proposed spending plan was held October 24.