Taxpayers in Ogden to see increase

State mandates, increasing insurance costs and revenue reductions have all contributed to an increase in taxes for residents in the Town of Ogden. A $7.7 million budget for 2005 was presented to taxpayers on October 13. Ogden's budget in 2004 was $7.2 million.

Taxpayers in the town will see an increase of 2.6 percent or 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value or $16.20 more a year on a home currently assessed at $108,000. Taxpayers inside the village will experience a tax rate increase of 3.7 percent or 14 cents per $1,000 or $15.12 more a year on a home assessed at $108,000.

"The municipality is challenged to hold the line on taxes," Supervisor Gay Lenhard said. "The department heads are aware of the need to keep the cost of our service affordable. One of the ways the town was able to hold the line on taxes was to streamline operations while maintaining the services residents have come to rely on."

In a newsletter sent to residents, Lenhard explained that the proposed budget reflects an overall increase in expenditures of 8.6 percent or $636,000 over the prior year. "Much of this increase is the result of a need to replace major pieces of highway equipment as well as increases in fuel costs, liability insurance, double digit health insurance increases and the New York state retirement mandates," she said.

Salaries for elected officials are up at least three (3) percent over last year, Lenhard said, adding that some employees also received additional merit increases. Salaries are as follows: supervisor - $72,900; councilperson(s) $8,400 each - $33,600; town clerk - $55,436; superintendent of highways - $69,000; town justice (2) $23,925 each - $47,850.
Lenhard explained that the town has looked at efforts to minimize appropriations and have formed a consortium of municipalities to self insure mandated workers' compensation and increased employee health insurance contributions. "Although overall revenues have decreased by six percent we have been able to stabilize the tax rate through the use of reserve accounts," Lenhard said. "I think this is a good budget. We worked hard on it and as a board everyone seemed to be satisfied with the figures."

The town also continues its efforts to solicit state and federal grants, according to the supervisor.