Brockport shaves some off tentative budget

The Village of Brockport board is "working diligently" to lower the proposed tax rate increase, Village Manager Ian Coyle said. When the tentative budget was presented on March 15, it brought with it an 11.38 percent increase and now, Coyle said, the board has reduced it to single digits.

"There is a proposal under board consideration to eliminate the sewer rent, which will affect out of pocket expenses to property owners," Coyle said. "We received word, after March 15, on some items that will have positive effects on the budget. These include increases to the New York state general purpose aid, changes to hours appropriated to the part time clerk position in the police department and retirements in both the DPW and police department."

Coyle and Mayor Mort Wexler also sat with heads of the unions and discussed potential cost savings measures.

"Right now we are looking at a rate of about eight to nine percent increase. That would bring the rate to $9.72 per $1,000 of assessed value - up from the present rate of $8.96 per $1,000," Coyle said.

Coyle said the tentative proposed budget is still in deliberations.

The village has until May 1 to formally adopt its spending plan for 2006-2007.

In a prior interview, Coyle said the village is at a financial crossroads. "It's imperative that the often times difficult budget quests are addressed and analyzed," he said.

Coyle encourages residents to submit comments on the budget in writing to the attention of the village board or by e-mail to icoyle@brockportny.org.

"I'll present the tentative budget document on Monday and will also share various proposals the board has come up with since March 15 to whittle the tax rate down to an acceptable number. The board is working to reduce the tax rate increase."

A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Monday, April 3 at 7 p.m. prior to the regular board meeting. The hearing will be at the Village Hall.

April 2, 2006