Brockport passes 2007-08 spending plan

Brockport passes 2007-08 spending plan

After some discussion, but without much fanfare, Village of Brockport officials passed the 2007-08 budget that brings with it a one percent tax rate decrease. The original budget, discussed at the March 19 public hearing, called for a flat tax with a tax rate of $9.83 per $1,000 of assessed value.

At the April 2 board meeting, Trustee David Wagenhauser put forth a "one percent solution" which he said was possible because for the past year the village board has worked to "control costs, create efficiencies and make the village run more like a business." He said that since November he has worked with Village Manager Ian Coyle and Trustees Carrie Maziarz and Hanny Heyen on the budget.

"A flat rate in today's climate of rising costs is a worthy feat," he said. "We don't believe, however, that it reflects our progress or optimism for the future. Tax Cut: That's what an overwhelming number of residents want. The people want it, we've got it: a one percent tax cut."

He proposed a revised budget that cut the tax rate while maintaining all the services - including full funding for the Public Works Department. "This revised budget is also responsible, while looking to the future," he said. "Projected expenses and revenues would be seen by unbiased observers as accurate, if not conservative. In addition, for the first time in years, this amendment returns funds to both the General and Water Funds - helping us to prepare for the challenges in the years ahead."

Mayor Mort Wexler expressed concerns about the state of the sales tax. "With what could happen with that (the intercept program being proposed by county officials), no one knows what will happen with our share of tax revenues," he said. "Right now we get between $1.3 and $1.4 million in sales tax revenues."

Trustee Connie Castaneda said she had "tried to address the board on budget issues" and that while the board doesn't have to reach a consensus that it should be a process in which all participate. "This board was elected to be the fiduciaries and we have an obligation to have met to discuss the budget in front of the public," she said. She again pointed out that she felt the 15 percent pay increase being offered to Village Treasurer Ian Coyle was out of line. "We can't afford to offer eastside salaries."

She also asked why the village was budgeting more for sales tax revenue than what had been received in the past. "These figures show a budget with overestimated revenues and underestimated expenses," Castaneda said.

In Wagenhauser's resolution for the budget amendments he pointed out savings in the expenses of about $11,577 from line items in economic development, police overtime, traffic control and celebrations; additional revenue of $17,200 from grants, sales tax and legal fee reimbursements.

"It will take hard work to continue to stabilize our tax rate and make Brockport more affordable. I believe the first steps have been taken toward the end and am optimistic of our continued success," Wagenhauser said.

The tax rate will be about $9.73 per $1,000 of assessed value. The average homeowner will be a $10 decrease in their annual tax bill.

The budget, with the amendments and the one percent tax decrease, was adopted by a three to one margin. Heyen, Maziarz and Wagenhauser were in favor, Castaneda opposed; Wexler didn't vote.