Published: September 25, 2007 08:36 pm            

WHEATFIELD: Demler releases 2008 budget

Plan includes 13th straight tax cut, albeit a small one

The tentative 2008 budget for the Town of Wheatfield includes the 13th straight tax cut for residents.

Something that Supervisor Timothy Demler said he is quite proud of, even though the proposed tax cut for 2008 is less than in years past.

“My 2008 spending plan is $11.5 million and includes some changes and program enhancements, as well as our 13th straight tax cut in a row,” he said.

The proposed tax cut equals about $2.50 per household total, not on a per thousand of assessed value basis. The proposed tax cut is small but symbolic in nature, Demler explained.

“This tax cut ... is not a lot of money,” he said. “But it does represent a town government that has worked hard and understood early that we are the only insulating factor for our residents against constant tax increases.”

The proposed budget includes a 2.5 percent average salary raise based on a cost of living average; increased library funding, increased highway funding and the addition of equipment like a street crack sealer and street sweeper.

The proposed plan also includes added funding for additional drainage projects, a 9 percent increase in fire funding, the purchase of 50 acres of new park land and increased funding for recreation including the new youth center and two new gymnasiums.

“We have completed a budget that provides all of the same services, improves many more and will reflect our lowest bond debt in over 10 years,” Demler said, whose administration has received criticism for its use of bonds for projects. “We have reduced our bond debt by $1.3 million this year and are retiring two bonds. We don’t borrow unless we pay off bonds.”

While the proposed budget increased fire funding by 9 percent, it reduced sewer taxes by 10 percent.

The town board must approve the budget by Nov. 8.

        

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