The Spencerport Village Board will be presenting the proposed budget on April 4 at 7 p.m. at the Fire Station 1 on Lyell Avenue.

According to village officials, this year's budget proposes the same tax rate of $1.77/$1,000 assessed valuation as in the previous four years. This would mean that a house assessed for $120,000 would pay $212.40 in village taxes. The recycle fee will be increased from $26 to $30 per year per household to reflect actual costs for recycling. The sewer user fee will increase about 2 percent to $145 per unit.

The water rate (commodity charge) will increase to $2.91/1,000 gallons in June to reflect the 6.2 percent increased cost to purchase Monroe County Water. The water rate may increase again in 2001/2002 as village officials determine when and what to include in the next phase of the Water Improvement Program.

The budget reporting method changed this year to include all projected incomes and expenses, including grants, member items, capital borrowing and reserve accounts transfers. Because of this change, the 2001/2002 budget numbers in both income and expenses are considerably larger when compared to the 2000/2001 budget.

For the General Fund, basis for the tax rate, both revenues and expenses are up about 17 percent. Revenues increased from $1,250,000 in 2000/2001 to $1,474,000 in 2001/2002 and expenses increased from $1,540,000 to $1,793,000, respectively. This year's budget includes potential grants of $50,000 and borrowing of $65,000 for Main Street Lighting Upgraded (deferred from last year). Other revenue increases are from increases in sales tax and sale of used DPW equipment.

The Water Fund expenses have increased from $470,826 in 2000/2001 to $875,128 in 2001/2002. This increase includes grants for $25,000, a future water improvement project for $300,000 and the MCWA rate increase. Revenues have increased proportionally.

The Sewer Fund Expenses are up from last year's $596,172 to $911,216. Included in the increase is $213,000 for Phase 2 Sewer Rehab Program, $25,000 for grants and $55,000 for capital upgrades and equipment. Revenues also increased from $488,757 to $741,616 in 2001/2002.

The Reserve Funds will be revised slightly in 2001/2002. The Water Fund has $50,000 allocated to go to its reserve fund in 2002. The Sewer Fund will decrease by $213,000 for the Rehab Project. The Sewer Reserve was increased $75,000 this year from fees from the Hickory Hollow Project. Other future projects (new elementary school) will also replenish the Sewer Reserve. The other reserve funds are not being used in the 2001/2001 budget.

The village organizational changes of last year have been completed and all positions are now filled. The salary allocation increases 3.4 percent for 2001/2002.

The Fire Department budget reflects refurbishing Pumper 293 and restroom remodeling for ADA compliance at Station 1. The paid position for the Fire Department is under committee review. The salary was carried forward from last year's budget.

The grant requests are for Geographical Information System (GIS) funding to continue our implementation program and for surveying the old Bridge Tenders Tower for a return to the canal.

Major projects in next year's budget are the Sewer Rehab Project, the Water Improvement Project, and replacement of Main Street lights. Other significant projects include street maintenance on Ballard Avenue, Brae Road, Bauer's Cove, Slayton Avenue and DPW parking lot. Sidewalk improvements will be done on Amity Street and West Avenue ($30,000). Following our 10-year equipment replacement program, this budget supports replacement of a Backhoe, two pickup trucks and a one-ton dump truck. The DPW improvements include upgrade to the offices and breakroom. The village office has $40,000 (most forwarded from last year) allocated to continue renovations/remodeling as we improve the facility. Computer system upgrades include software and some hardware for replacement of the nonsupported financial and accounting system and minor system upgrades. We have provided money to replace Christmas decorations at the Gazebo and along the canal. Painting, sealing, landscaping improvements of the Gazebo, boardwalk and canal area are also included.

The Electric Franchise fund continues to struggle with increased deregulation costs and upgrade expenses. A recent tariff change and our proposed electric rate increase (10 percent) will bring needed relief to the fund. Completion of the upgrade project in Domus Tract, and completing the installation in Village Pines and Hickory Hollow are scheduled for next year

Spencerport Village Board members acknowledge the hard work and perseverance in preparing the budget by Treasurer Linda Harassis, Village Administrator Al Scheg, Superintendents Jack Linder and Tom West, Chief Operator Mark Elliott, Fire Chief Chris Wood, Building Inspector Scott Zarnstorff and the office staff.

prepared by Spencerport Village Officials