STOCKTON - The Town of Stockton Board, following the advice of its attorney Jeffrey Passafaro, is going to hold a hearing about a resolution to override the two percent tax cap on its budget and fire contract.
There will be two public hearings on Nov. 6, beginning at 7 p.m. One will be about the 2 percent override and the other will be the budget hearing. Following that, the board will hold its regular meeting.
The board members who attended the recent meeting were Councilmen Allen Chase and John Beichner as well as Town Supervisor David Wilson.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan
Left to right, Councilmen John Beichner and Allen Chase and Town Supervisor David Wilson discuss the figures concerning the town’s budget. A public hearings on the override of the 2 percent tax cap and the budget will be held on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. with the regular monthly meeting to follow.
Chase, who typically does the financial reporting, had preliminary figures concerning tax rates. Town tax rate is projected at $5.56 per thousand, up from $5.41. This rate applies to the Village of Cassadaga. Those outside the village are projected to pay an additional $1.27 per thousand up from $1.13. Those in the "light district" pay an additional $.61 per thousand. The charge for those in the fire district will be $1.41 which Chase said was "similar to last year."
Chase mentioned that workers' compensation charges will be passed down to the town, which will cause an increase in the money budgeted. In addition, the town plans a 3 percent raise for town employees. Health insurance is projected to increase by 13 percent while retirement costs will also climb.
Chase said that not all the figures are finalized.
Beichner said, "Allen does a super job with the budget. The town is in very good financial shape. We have zero debt. For a small town, I think that's quite an achievement."
Wilson reported the town did not receive any petitions for a referendum on the sale of the library. "The library sale is a done deal," he said.
During the public comment section of the meeting Trudy Coulcher, president of the library board promised, "You are not going to have the ceiling fall on you." She said the repairs would be made. She also asked the Town to get its things out of the basement.
Comments on this article may be directed to dchodan@observertoday.com
