(April 14, 2016) Though the numbers could change — mainly dependent on Worcester County government’s contributions to municipalities as the commissioners work on their own budget — the Snow Hill mayor and council on Tuesday approved the first reading of a balanced fiscal 2017 budget without tax increases.
Last year’s rates of 86 cents per $100 of assessed value for real property and $1.82 for corporate personal property will remain in effect next year.
“I’m very pleased by not having to increase taxes or decrease services in the coming year,” Mayor Charlie Dorman said.
The draft plan, unanimously approved, balances about $2.46 million in expenses against anticipated revenues.
In March, Dorman requested about $175,000 more than approved last year form the Worcester County Commissioners. He said he was seeking more from the county in lieu of taxes, because of the number of county-owned facilities within the town that don’t pay taxes. The county provides $100,000 to the town towards this end, but Dorman estimates the true tax bill on these properties is in excess of $300,000.
In lieu of raises, town employees will receive a one-time bonus of up to $500, based on hours worked. Dorman said the uncertain nature of the town’s finances led the council to adopt this solution, rather than a one-percent across-the-board increase previously discussed.
The council decided to deny the request from the police department for an additional officer, but approved filling an open position. The additional officer would have increased the ranks of the department to eight.
The town may need to consider raising sewer rates soon, according to the minutes of a previous meeting, because income generated from processed waste could decrease.
The council will discuss the budget again during a May 3 work session held at the train station at 4:30 p.m.
Last year’s rates of 86 cents per $100 of assessed value for real property and $1.82 for corporate personal property will remain in effect next year.
“I’m very pleased by not having to increase taxes or decrease services in the coming year,” Mayor Charlie Dorman said.
The draft plan, unanimously approved, balances about $2.46 million in expenses against anticipated revenues.
In March, Dorman requested about $175,000 more than approved last year form the Worcester County Commissioners. He said he was seeking more from the county in lieu of taxes, because of the number of county-owned facilities within the town that don’t pay taxes. The county provides $100,000 to the town towards this end, but Dorman estimates the true tax bill on these properties is in excess of $300,000.
In lieu of raises, town employees will receive a one-time bonus of up to $500, based on hours worked. Dorman said the uncertain nature of the town’s finances led the council to adopt this solution, rather than a one-percent across-the-board increase previously discussed.
The council decided to deny the request from the police department for an additional officer, but approved filling an open position. The additional officer would have increased the ranks of the department to eight.
The town may need to consider raising sewer rates soon, according to the minutes of a previous meeting, because income generated from processed waste could decrease.
The council will discuss the budget again during a May 3 work session held at the train station at 4:30 p.m.