Sweden unveils 2006 spending plan
with slight spending increase

The Sweden Town Board presented its 2006 proposed budget at a public hearing held on October 25. Only three residents attended the half-hour long presentation.

The proposed spending plan totals $4,211,135, a 1.66 percent increase over the 2005 budget of $4,142,543. Major cost increases include: fuel, $25,000; health insurance, $21,500; chipping and sealing roads, $10,000; and a new mower for the cemeteries, $12,000. The budget also includes funds for a three percent raise for employees.

Total revenues remain steady in the 2006 budget at $1,823,828. The appropriated fund balance will drop by $18,000 to $557,000. The projected tax levy of $1,830,307 will result in tax rates of $2.32 per thousand of assessed valuation for properties within the Village of Brockport and $4.47 per thousand of assessed valuation for properties in the town outside the village.

The new tax rates translate into a $9 increase for residents of the village owning a home assessed at $100,000; and a $17 increase for residents of the town outside the village owning a $100,000 home.

"This budget plan preserves the services our residents have come to expect," said Supervisor Nat O. Lester, III, "while minimizing the tax increase. With only three people attending the public hearing, we believe our residents are satisfied, and even pleased, with the town's services and what it costs to provide those services."

The Sweden Town Board expects to adopt its final budget at its November 9 meeting. This meeting is on a Wednesday due to the general election on November 8.

Submitted material

October 30, 2005