Churchville village residents to see tax increase

Residents of the Village of Churchville will see an increase in their village tax bill due to a higher tax rate in the 2007-2008 tax budget. Mayor Donald Ehrmentraut said the increase is due in most part to costs associated with the proposed construction of a new fire department building on Washington Street near the Riga Town Hall.

Ehrmentraut said the village realized the project would have an effect on residents and a public hearing held in January showed that the public is supportive of the project. Ehrmentraut said the increase is noticeable but necessary. The new fire hall will give volunteer firemen the space that they need to do their jobs and protect the public, Ehrmentraut said.

According to Ehrmentraut, an annual commitment of $77,500 will be the village's share of the fire department loan. The tax rate for 2007-08 will be $4.45/$1,000 of assessed valuation, that is up from $3.31. Ehrmentraut said the breakdown of the new tax rate is as follows: $2.94 for village administrative and operating costs; $1.16 for fire department operating costs and $.35 for the proposed construction of the new fire department building.

On a related note, the village will annex part of the town for construction of the new fire hall. During a Town of Riga workshop meeting on February 20, officials set a date for a joint annexation meeting. Village of Churchville Deputy Clerk Cathy Paye said the meeting is set for Monday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at the Churchville Village Hall. Town of Riga Councilman James Fodge said anyone who has comments about the annexation can make them between now and the March 26 meeting.

The joint annexation meeting will also be an opportunity for the public to find out information or make comments about the annexation.

February 25, 2007