Parma holds the line on tax rates

Parma holds the line on tax rates

In the Town of Parma, officials are holding the line on tax rates even in the face of an increase in the overall budget figures.

"We know how to pinch pennies while still giving the residents the services they have come to expect," Town Supervisor Rick Lemcke said. "That's why we have a zero budget."

The tentative figures for the 2008 budget come with an overall budget of $4,489,144, up from $4,428,222 in the current spending plan. Even with the increase in the bottom line, taxpayers will not see an increase over last year's tax rate of $2.71 per $1,000 of assessed value.

"Even with a close to 10 percent increase in health insurance and with offering raises in the two and a half to three percent range, the taxes will remain stable," Lemcke said.

One of the places the town looked to for cost cutting was to reduce brush pick up to twice a year - spring and fall - it had been done year-round. "We simply looked to cut some costs, hold the line on other expenses and were able to do it without there being a negative effect for employees or residents."

There will be a public hearing on the budget at 7 p.m. on November 7 at the Parma Town Hall. It is anticipated that the budget will be passed at the November 20 meeting.